As a small business owner, finding the right employees can be a daunting task. With the rise of online job boards and social media platforms, the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever. However, it’s not just about attracting candidates, but also ensuring that your job posts are legitimate and authentic.

Communicate Your Business Values

By clearly stating your company’s mission, vision, and values, you can differentiate your business from others and attract candidates who align with your principles. Use your job posting as an opportunity to showcase what your business stands for and how it operates. Highlight any unique benefits or initiatives that set your company apart. This transparency will not only attract candidates who share your values but also help weed out those who may not be a good fit. You can even provide some social proof from current employees through testimonials of what it is like to work at your business. Remember, candidates are looking for more than just a job – they want to be a part of something meaningful. 

Use Professional Language and Format

Avoid using overly casual or slang terms and opt for clear and concise language that conveys professionalism. Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation to demonstrate attention to detail. Structure your job postings in a clean and organized format, using bullet points or subheadings to make information easy to read and understand. Avoid excessive use of jargon or industry-specific terms that may confuse applicants. Remember, the way you present your job posting reflects your business’s image and reputation, so take the time to ensure it is professional and polished. If you need help writing a job description, our Small Business Concierge Service can help!

Be Transparent About Salary and Benefits

Candidates want to know what they can expect in terms of compensation and perks before they invest time and effort into the application process. So, be upfront about what you have to offer. Clearly state the salary range and any additional benefits, such as insurance, perks, training or flexible work options. This will not only help candidates determine if the position aligns with their expectations but also demonstrate your commitment to fair and equitable compensation.

Provide Contact Details and Application Process

One of the most frustrating experiences for job seekers is coming across a job posting without any contact information or clear instructions. As a small business owner, you want to make it as easy as possible for qualified candidates to reach out to you and submit their applications. Provide your contact details, such as an email address or phone number, so that candidates can easily get in touch with any questions or to submit their resumes. Additionally, clearly outline the application process, whether it’s through an online form, email, or some other method. By providing clear contact details and an easy-to-follow application process, you’ll not only make a good impression on potential candidates, but you’ll also increase the chances of attracting qualified applicants.

Actively Engage with Applicants

Don’t just sit back and wait for resumes to come in – take a proactive approach in your hiring process. Respond promptly to inquiries and applications, acknowledging receipt and providing a timeline for next steps. Ask thoughtful and relevant questions to gain further insight into candidates’ skills and experiences. Schedule interviews in a timely manner and keep candidates informed throughout the process. Provide feedback and updates, even if it’s to let them know they didn’t make it to the next round. Many applicants are dealing with the frustration of being ghosted during the hiring process (for those that are not familiar with “ghosting”, this is when a candidate interacts with a company and at some point of the process, the candidate never hears back from the company even after following up). Some open positions may receive hundreds of applications which can make it difficult to respond to everyone, but you can set up automations to inform candidates of what is happening within the process so that they know where they stand with your company.

If you feel a little uncertain about the whole hiring process, then check out our self-paced online course Hiring Made Easy where you can learn from industry experts how to craft the perfect job description, what steps you should go through when hiring, what salary you should offer, and more.