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How to Attract Quality Employees
Use these tips to attract and recruit the best applicants for your position and company.
Photo Credit: ATA
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Author: Cassie Gasaway
We’ve all worked with a myriad of coworkers – some who are positive and proactive, and others that are just there to collect a paycheck.” If you’re a manager or business owner, you know the importance of hiring someone who exceeds expectations and fits the company culture. But before hiring, you should strive to attract honest, genuine, positive, hardworking and passionate people. These people do exist, but can sometimes be hard to find.
Salary or financial compensation is a big motivator for people looking for a job. However, intriguing perks and benefits can go a long way in attracting interest of applicants, leading to the application — and acceptance — of a position.
We spoke with Jill Fries, human resources consultant for Gallagher, to learn what ATA members can do to attract quality employees — even if they’re on a tight budget. Gallagher is a MyATA service provider that can offer advice and solutions to help ATA members address day-to-day and long-term human resource needs.
List the job on reputable websites. Photo Credit: Gallagher
List the Position in Reputable Places
If you want quality employees, you should post the position in quality places. Fries said to fully understand the job you’re hiring for and what type of employee you want. Then, post the position where this population of people visit, whether online or in person. For example, you might use online job sites like LinkedIn for office positions and Indeed.com for retail and warehouse positions. If you hope to hire local assistance, post the position on your website, social platforms and community job boards. You can also ask current employees to share the position by word of mouth with interested friends and family members. If you want to fill a part-time job, consider working with nearby colleges and trade schools. Also, check to see if your state has a job board on its unemployment website. If so, listing the position there can help you cast a wider net.
Promote Your Fun Work Environment
People want to work somewhere enjoyable. If your company has a bad reputation among employees and customers, vow to fix it. If people tend to love the atmosphere in your shop or office, mention that your workplace environment is positive, upbeat, laid-back and fun. In the job interview, take time to elaborate and share what you do to create a rewarding employee experience. Do you recognize personal achievements, have an office softball team, go out for happy hour, or celebrate employee birthdays? Whatever your company culture, highlight those attributes to potential candidates.
Be Flexible
If you want to hire someone passionate and knowledgeable about archery and bowhunting, you must be flexible because your busy season likely aligns with their favorite time of year. Have a flexible work schedule and agree to work with employees to find an ideal work-life balance. If possible, allow them to take time off during the busy season or ask them to hunt mornings and work evenings, or vice versa. You should support their passion without overworking them and eliminating their desire to shoot or hunt.
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Offer Comparable Benefits
Ensure your benefits package is comparable to that of other companies in the area. Many businesses offer their employees insurance, paid holidays, sick leave, paid time off and 401K options. Fries said it’s important to include benefits in a job posting. You don’t have to provide specifics; simply list the benefits you offer that will encourage candidates to apply.
Work with your MyATA service providers to create packages that appeal to potential employees. For example, Handford Financial Strategies provides comprehensive retirement and financial planning strategies for business owners and their staff. At the same time, LIG Health offers affordable health insurance options for ATA members, their families, and their businesses/employees. The program options include life, major medical, short-term policies, vision and dental plans, critical care coverage, and several different supplemental health options.
Make the benefits of the position clear in the posting. Photo Credit: Gallagher
Define the Perks
Compile a list of perks you can offer your employees. For example, retail pro shops might allow employees to use the range, bow press or other equipment for free on their own time. Retailers and manufacturers could gift extra merchandise or bonus products to employees from time to time. Or you could even create an incentive program where employees earn discounts or bonuses if they meet sales goals or earn positive customer reviews. Be creative and identify perks that employees would want and appreciate.
Allow Growth Opportunities
Inform potential employees that they’ll be challenged with new tasks and, therefore, opportunities to accept new responsibilities and advance their career. Fries said many people welcome change and look for ways to develop and move forward. Giving employees something to work toward, like a promotion or increase in pay, might motivate them to work harder and remain loyal to your company.
Another way to provide growth opportunities is to invest in your employees. Consider paying for them to get certified in CPR or first aid or as an archery instructor. Providing ongoing educational opportunities makes employees feel valued and appreciated. Plus, learning new things is fulfilling and entertaining.
Listen and Support Their Ideas
Reassure potential employees that you’re open to feedback and suggestions. People like to be heard and acknowledged. Create an open-door policy and encourage current and future employees to talk to you. If they know they have an open invitation, they’ll more often bring ideas, questions or concerns to you. You want them to feel comfortable sharing ideas, providing feedback and making product recommendations. Listen, discuss, acknowledge and incorporate, if appropriate, their ideas, feedback and suggestions at your workplace.
Final Thoughts
Fries encourages ATA members to take the search and hiring process seriously. Quality candidates know their worth and will overlook your job posting if you can’t offer them what they think they deserve. Thinking through the ideas above can help you attract quality candidates who care about more than a paycheck. Don’t inadvertently turn off potential applicants by haphazardly throwing together a job description and slapping it on any bulletin board you can find.
Take your time and do your due diligence when searching for the right person for your position and company. Fries suggests you not hire the first person that comes along because they meet the basic requirements. Instead, sort through your applicant list and select your top condidates. Then, conduct an interview, allow them to meet current employees, contact their references, and get a feel for their personality, interests and attitude.
Ready to get started? Fries and the Gallagher team can provide and help ATA members create job postings, interview questions and sample position descriptions. Email them at gbs.myata-hr@ajg.com for more information.
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