How to Attract the People You Need  

13th March 2008

Just because you select an ideal recruit for your business, doesn’t mean they will automatically want to work for you.  Why not?

Many businesses overlook the fact that they have to sell their offer and make it an attractive option for prospective new employees.

If you operate in a competitive environment where good recruits are scarce, or when you are trying to attract very high calibre people, it is essential that you make your business, and the position, sound as appealing as possible.

Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Consider what drives people to join new companies.  They typically want:
    1. a new challenge
    2. more money
    3. opportunities for promotion
    4. to work in a larger company
    5. to work in a smaller company environment
    6. to work closer to home
    7. to work in an environment where they can improve their skills and learn
    8. to work in a company full of friendly people
    9. to work for a market leader
    10. a manager who will spend time with them to teach and mentor

Does you business offer any of these enticements?

  1. If it doesn’t, you may have issues with how the business is structured, or how it is performing, and may need to make some internal assessments and adjustments before you are able to attract the kind of people you need and want.

  2. If you do meet some of these criteria, then the next question is, how do you sell your business and the position to the candidate?  At every point possible!
    1. The advertisement

                                                               i.      Outline what’s positive and different about your company

                                                             ii.      Make it sound interesting

                                                            iii.      Provide several ways to respond to the advertisement (email, phone call, fax) – it appears more professional

    1. Your website

                                                               i.      Presentation – professional or amateurish?

                                                             ii.      Overview of your business – should provide reasonable detail

                                                            iii.      Clients – some reference to clients is a positive indicator

    1. The interview

                                                               i.      Reception and greeting – friendly, and again, professional

                                                             ii.      Positive interaction – encourage questions at the end

                                                            iii.      Be animated when interviewing and talking about your business

                                                           iv.      You and the company must reflect the culture (professional/casual, committed, creative, service focus etc.)

    1. Follow up

                                                               i.      Needs to be a fast turnaround if you want the person

                                                             ii.      Well organised – timeliness, information in the offer

If you do all of these things it is more than likely that you will be able to employ a candidate who matches your requirements, and the culture of your company.  Good luck!

© 2003-2008 BOSS Management Group Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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Jenny Stilwell is the creator of BOSSMENTOR® Business, a FREE ezine for professional, lifestyle oriented business owners wanting to confidently increase the value of their service business, ultimately spending less time in it. You’ll get proven strategies, tips and resources designed to help you achieve success. To receive your free e-book information, and sign up for how-to articles on creating and managing business growth, visit www.bossgroup.com.au