As a small business owner, you may feel the pressure to hire the best talent possible because you have less bandwidth than bigger companies. It can admittedly be a challenge to attract top candidates, especially when there’s so much competition in your field. Luckily, taking advantage of different opportunities, from networking events to advertising, can help you connect with the right people. Here are some tips for hiring the best staff for the job.

How to Hire the Best for Your Small Business

1. Interview the Whole Person

A candidate will often have so much more to offer than the words they send you in their initial email, such as their professional history and educational background. If you find someone you deem qualified for an interview, take into consideration every aspect of the meeting when making your decision. 

Determine whether they displayed enthusiasm for the role and consider the types of questions they asked about the job. Take into account any hobbies they have, along with their passion for previous work they’ve done. All these factors can play a role in their suitability for your job opening.

2. Rely on Your Connections

A key advantage of networking events is that they connect you to various insiders in your industry. You may meet other small business owners who have risen through the ranks over the years. Tap into their experience and knowledge to find out where they sourced their best employees, and ask for any local advice they might have. 

For example, they may have secured top talent at a nearby university or job fair. If you’re a member of your area chamber of commerce, look into potential business events they may have on the calendar. With any luck, you'll connect with people who are enthusiastic and ready to work.

3. Provide Incentives for Employees

Often, the best resources for new hires are right in front of you. Send an email to your employees requesting their recommendations for openings within the company and offer them an incentive for leading you to a successful candidate, such as a cash bonus. 

You might consider offering this option every quarter so that you have a variety of candidates from which to choose during busy times of the year. For example, you may need to hire seasonal help during the holidays or in the summertime. 

Connect with area business owners through the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce Inc. in Union City, GA. Since 1947, the organization has offered guidance and a variety of small business opportunities to help local entrepreneurs boost their images and connect with like-minded individuals in the area. Rely on them for everything from business development resources to networking events. Visit the website for more information or call (770) 964-1984 to speak with the team about the perks of membership.