23rd March 2012

10 ways to find the best employees

2 comments

441 views

Denise Brady , #allaboutbusiness #all about business #allaboutbusiness.ie #bank of ireland #denise brady #teamworx #teamworx.ie #career coach #irish women in business #retail sector #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurial #business start up #sme #own business

It is no secret that great people build great companies and in this highly competitive market, it still surprises me that more companies don’t treat recruitment and hiring as their most important department. It doesn’t matter what area you’re recruiting for, hiring qualified, hard-working employees is still a challenge.

From the smallest business to the largest multinational there are a number of rules that need to be considered when recruiting to help you identify the right person. Remember, you cannot afford to make a mistake as every penny counts.

How to attract great applicants:

1. Take your time and don’t rush. Sourcing the best candidates doesn’t happen overnight. Allow yourself at least 6 weeks to interview, second interview and ensure you give yourself time to make the right decision before any offers are put on the table.

2. Ask your best employees and peers for candidate recommendations. If they work with you they will have an idea what suits your company and will only recommend the best.

3. Employer of choice. Ensure that your company has a positive work culture and is a business where people what to work. New recruits will notice this.

4. Recruitment Agencies – if you don’t have the experience required to get the best candidate, hire a recruitment agency to screen candidates and submit a short list for first interviews. This will cost money but will save time, effort and staff turnover in the long run.

5. Know what you want – Identify the “must have” skills that you need this employee to demonstrate and clearly define the job description so everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet.

6. Ask open ended questions – find out as much as possible about the employee at interview stage and discover what makes them tick. This style of questioning will encourage the applicants to share their personal experiences and can help you evaluate their work habits and performance standards.

7. Give a realistic view of the role and remember hiring is a two way street and a PR exercise– it’s as important for you to sell your company and have all applicants leaving with a positive impression, as it is to get the right person.

8. Assess them in action – where relevant, ask candidates to carry out a practical assignment/work for a half day etc. Some people are excellent at interview but do not cut the mustard in the business world.

9. Check out references and don’t be afraid to ask specific questions from previous employers to ascertain the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.

10. Benefits package. Salary is important but so are holidays, benefits, working from home, work/life balance etc. The more flexible you are with your benefits, the more interesting you will be to a potential employee.

Denise Brady

Director & Careers Coach

TEAMWORX RETAIL RECRUITMENT