Small Businesses Stepping Up Recruiting Efforts

Small Businesses Stepping Up Recruiting Efforts
by Stephen Parezo

Smart Brief

Every business should have a system in place to recruit the best possible candidates for job openings.
Recruiting is on the rise across the country as more of the work force is retiring.
Many job seekers are looking for a work-life balance that includes flexible leave and teleworking.
Experts maintain that companies’ ears are up and they’re listening to what workers are saying.
Employers should draw upon their top resource—employees and referrals so they can generate leads from them.
Business owners are advised to take an active approach in the hiring process.
Owners need to keep documentation in the hiring process to protect themselves from disgruntled candidates.

March 2, 2006—At one time or another every small business will have to fill certain key positions and that’s to be expected. But before vacancies occur it’s important for companies to have a framework in place so they can recruit the best possible candidates for job openings. That way they are not left in the lurch by a sudden departure of an essential employee.

Small business recruiting has been solid over the past year and career opportunities are on rise, according to www.careerbuilder.com, the nation’s largest online job network. Their survey conducted in late 2005 indicated that the top three reasons hiring managers cited for recruiting new employees this year are to expand operations, improve customer service and support the launch of new products and services.
The trick for many small businesses is being able to find the right employee for the right job at the right time.

“We’re seeing recruiting across the country definitely improving as more of the work force is retiring,” said Mike Erwin, a senior career advisor at careerbuilder.com. “We’re seeing a tighter job market.”

The healthcare industry is experiencing a labor shortage especially where nurses and rehabilitation specialists are concerned. In the hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast region, there’s a need for more builders in the construction industry as well as specialists in the information technology field.

What tends to be a surprise, Erwin says, is that of the 62% of workers that are satisfied in their jobs in 2006, 30% of them are still looking for another position.
“People are catching on that the labor market has shrunk,” he said. “They’re finding the work-life balance is giving you more.”

This work-life balance includes having more flexible leave policies and being able to work from home.

Erwin noted that there’s a new type of worker these days that’s seeking different kinds of jobs.

“The work culture is so much more important now than it used to be,” he said. “Companies are starting to realize there is a tighter labor market and are focusing on employees they need in the office. But they can change the work culture. Their ears are up and they’re listening to what workers are saying. It’s not about money—it’s about the whole culture and keeping the top talent in place.”

[small biz] [rural] [Stephen Parezo] [recruiting] [fiducial]