5 Tips for Small Business Recruiting on a Budget

5 Tips for Small Business Recruiting on a Budget

Quality employees can make or break a business of any size but are vital to the health and success of a small business. Whether you need to replace a worker who’s left or your business is expanding, hiring top talent takes energy, time, and company resources.

According to benchmark studies conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management, the average cost per hire is $4,683. Though that number might feel like it applies more to large corporations, consider that the median cost came in at $1,244. If your budget for recruiting feels small, here are five ways to help stretch it a little further.

1. Consider Hiring From Within

Small business owners and managers often have the advantage of personally getting to know the strengths and talents of their employees. As businesses grow and change, employees may want to take on new roles within the company but may not see a clear path for a changing job description. As you define the parameters of a new job in the company, consider looking around at the employees you already have. It may require some creativity to add or subtract responsibilities from an existing employee into a newly created job description, but it’s possible a perfect candidate or candidates are already a part of your team.

If your business is undertaking a multiple hire situation, something like an anonymous survey of employees may reveal current employees’ hidden career goals or talents. This information can provide clarity on both promoting from within and drafting a job posting.

2. Optimize Your Job Postings

Armed with data from your existing employees, current and future business plans, and immediate hiring needs, spend some time carefully crafting your job postings. You could involve current managers or department leaders to help describe specific duties and desired skills. Watch out for common buzzwords in both job titles and descriptions that could be interpreted more than one way. An applicant with extensive customer service experience, for example, may apply for a vaguely described “account manager” position, but in your business, that job requires bookkeeping experience. Be sure the posting includes detailed information about requirements for:

  • Qualifications
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Skills
  • Special requirements (such as atypical work hours or travel)

And include details for:

  • Flexible work arrangements (in-person or remote work possibilities)
  • Paid time off (such as company holidays, starting vacation time, and sick leave policies)
  • Salary range

An Indeed survey revealed that employers often felt the need to revise job postings because they received too many under-qualified candidates. It will save both yours and the applicants’ time if your posting is clear about non-negotiables.

3. Evaluate Where Your Budget Is Best Spent

Small business owners often carry the load of performing various tasks. Whether your business is just starting out or you’ve seen quick growth that outpaced the hours available in a day, it’s likely there are helpful tools that you may not have had time to research. A personal approach to identifying and crafting job descriptions may feel like a valuable use of your time. Once the applications and resumes start pouring in, however, delegation of some tasks might ease some of the additional load. That’s where an applicant tracking system (ATS) like ApplicantStack comes in.

We’ve all been there: sifting through a long email thread with multiple people to locate some nugget of information about an applicant. Or trying to remember where and how you saved a resume file on your hard drive, only to come up with an empty search box. From your first application to making offers, ApplicantStack organizes and sorts relevant information for all involved to evaluate. It makes for smooth collaboration and prevents dreaded errors that can cause your company to miss out on a perfect hire.

4. Hire Young Talent

Experience and education are hard and fast requirements in some sectors, but consider if your company has room to grow by hiring young people just entering the workforce.  These individuals may bring an level of enthusiasm and willingness to learn that benefits the team, and come in prepared for a starting salary commensurate with their position. Your company may consider mentorship as one of its core values to prepare new workers for a long and fulfilling careers. 

5. Re-Evaluate Your Public Brand

Ask yourself (or your marketing team) some probing questions about how potential candidates are introduced to your company. It’s common practice for a job candidate to start their research with the basics.

  • How do you present yourself publicly? 
  • If you have social media accounts, are they updated regularly with useful and informative posts? If you don’t post regularly, do they look neglected? Are they an important part of your business identity? 
  • Does your website accurately reflect the current course of your business? Are hours of operation, contact information, or staff pages updated? Does it function properly or are there broken links or pages?

In terms of cost, social media and website updates can take anything from company time to the investment in an agency rebrand. Low-cost solutions like courses from a social media coach or simple text and photo website updates might make a big difference in your public persona.

New hires in a small business represent exciting growth. Hopefully these five tips can help you recruit quality talent even on a budget. Success awaits with careful consideration of your internal resources and external tools like ApplicantStack. You’ll be organized and on the way to hiring the best workers for your company.

2024 Recruiting Trends to Expect: The Value of Automation

2024 Recruiting Trends to Expect: The Value of Automation

Part Two: The Value of Automation

In the first part of our coverage of recruiting trends to expect this year, we highlighted the importance of upskilling as a hiring and retention tool. Next up is the value of automation, specifically in hiring.

The recruiting process can be very time- and labor-intensive, often involving multiple people within the organization. Between posting open positions, sifting through applications, scheduling interviews, and conducting all the work on the back end, your team could end up spending hours to fill just one role. Explore the advantages of automation in the hiring process and how this trend can cut the time and energy spent on finding and bringing on top talent.

Recruiting Trends Coming in 2024

Here’s what has been covered (and still to come) in our five-part series:

  1. An Increase in Upskilling
  2. The Value of Automation
  3. More AI in Recruiting
  4. Hybrid Work Shifts
  5. More Entry-Level Hiring

Trend #2: The Value of Automation

According to a talent survey focused on the future of work, more than 90 percent of HR professionals plan to increase their use of automation in the hiring process, among other everyday tasks. In the recruiting world, automating certain processes can minimize the time spent on tasks substantially, freeing up bandwidth for team members to focus on other things. Additionally, automation can shorten the time-to-hire and reduce the cost-per-hire when used effectively.

So, how will automation factor into your hiring processes in 2024? The answer to that question depends on what you want to adopt. Using an applicant tracking system like ApplicantStack allows you to simplify many of the steps in the process of bringing on a new team member. The system can post job listings to multiple boards instantly, as well as support candidate outreach and follow-up efforts.

When you want to schedule an interview, you can meet candidates where they are with text-based communication. Some outreach efforts happen automatically, based on workflows set up early in the process. You can also utilize integrations to handle background checks and other tasks.

Screening candidates is easier than ever with automation, as the platform can look for specific keywords and phrases to weed out candidates who may not be qualified. The result is an automated process that is highly convenient for all involved, including applicants.

The Benefits of Automation in Hiring

Every organization aims to improve productivity among its team members. And hiring automation can help you move closer to that goal, as it eliminates manual processes that take a lot of time and effort. Those involved in recruiting can focus on more meaningful tasks rather than spending hours sifting through resumes or posting to multiple job boards.

Another advantage is the ability to boost the quality of each hire made. When your team members focus on the quality of the candidates, they can identify individuals with characteristics that align with the company culture and job responsibilities. Automation can also eliminate some of the variables that don’t necessarily predict performance, making it a must-implement in high-volume verticals like call/contact centers, quick-service restaurants and retail facilities.

Explore how ApplicantStack can help you feel more prepared for this 2024 hiring trend and stay competitive with the countless organizations that are planning to expand their teams this year. You can even try it for free! Post your job, utilize the tools built in, and enjoy an easier hiring experience from start to finish.

Keep an eye on our blog as we cover the next four 2024 recruiting trends to expect. In the next post, we’ll highlight the use of artificial intelligence among recruiters.

How to Prepare for Hiring Needs in 2024

How to Prepare for Hiring Needs in 2024

Gearing up for a new year often comes with setting goals and looking toward the future. If your small business is growing (or you’d like it to be), hiring may play a key role in 2024. Explore our guide to preparing for recruiting needs this coming year.

Assess Current Strengths and Weaknesses

Before you decide what positions you want to create or fill, take a moment to assess the current strengths and weaknesses of your team. Identify what skills your employees have and which ones might be lacking. Could existing team members take on additional responsibility after completing training and development? If so, you might be able to put off hiring a new employee, at least for a while.

Identify Positions that Need to be Filled

With a firm grasp on what the team is doing well and where improvements could happen, you can create a list of roles that need to be filled. Maybe you’re creating additional positions on your sales team to fuel growth, or perhaps your goals involve establishing more brand awareness with a bigger marketing team. You could even need to create a new department to provide support or additional resources.

Dig Up Job Descriptions

Now that you have a list of what roles you need to hire for in 2024, you can start prepping for the recruiting process. If you’re backfilling an existing position, the job description may be out there somewhere. Try to find it, but don’t just throw it onto job boards immediately. Instead, review the content and determine whether everything is still accurate.

A job description is often the first interaction a jobseeker will have with your company, so it’s important to make a positive impression. Instead of listing out bulleted responsibilities and skills, why not spice it up a bit and make it more interesting to the reader? Include information about the company culture and what someone can expect when working in this role.

You can also use templates to further simplify this process. It’s easy to create and store description templates within ApplicantStack, a powerful recruiting and onboarding platform built for small business needs.

Jazz Up Your Online Presence

Today’s jobseekers are more interested in finding jobs that are the right fit, so they’re spending more time looking at companies to ensure alignment. If your website is outdated or your social media accounts are gathering dust, take some time to jazz them up. Create or update your careers page to emphasize what you’re looking for when it comes to new members of the team, and leverage social media to get in front of a wider audience.

Improve Your Hiring Process

If you ask hiring managers and small business owners what they dislike about hiring, aspects of the process will likely come up. For many organizations, the process of finding and bringing on talent is clunky, slow, and frustrating. But as 2024 kicks off, why not make it easier on yourself and everyone else involved?

Implement an applicant-tracking system that keeps everyone on the same page. ApplicantStack is affordable yet packed with features, including job posting and communication tools that make hiring easier for all. Plus, you can utilize the onboarding functionality when you find your top talent and they accept your offer.

Learn more about ApplicantStack and how it can help you ramp up your hiring efforts in 2024. Try it for free or take a quick tour to see how it works.

Making the Most of Job Posting Sites for Recruiting

Making the Most of Job Posting Sites for Recruiting

Gone are the days of a “help wanted” sign in the window to fill an open position. In today’s world, jobseekers rely on virtual resources to find and apply for jobs. Job posting sites are essential for appealing to top talent, and we’re covering how your business can make the most of these valuable tools.

What is a Job Posting Site?

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Also known as a job board, a job posting site is an online resource for sharing open positions and providing information about how to apply. Nearly all are free for jobseekers, and many offer free tools and resources for employers seeking to fill open positions.

Some job posting sites are more generic in terms of industry, with roles for people in all stages of their professional lives. Others cater to specific industries or niches, such as those geared toward graphic designers or tech experts. You can also find sites that are designed to pair freelance or gig workers with companies seeking to complete specific projects.

Applicant tracking systems can integrate with job posting sites, making it easier to push a description to multiple boards at once. If you handle this process manually, you may have to set up an account with each site and upload the information, one by one.

What Job Posting Sites are Best?

Ultimately, the best job posting sites for your organization will depend on its goals and type of applicants that you want to attract. If you want to get in front of a wider audience, a highly utilized option will be the best fit. When you want to appeal to individuals with specific skills or experience, a niche site may offer more benefits.

Among the free job posting sites, LinkedIn and Indeed rank highly. They have a lot of daily visitors, which means open positions are seen by more people. Additionally, LinkedIn company pages can feature job openings and descriptions, allowing potential applicants to learn more about the organization and workforce before submitting an application.

Monster is a well-known paid job posting site with multiple plan options available to employers. Higher-cost plans offer increased exposure to fill roles faster, while the standard plan requires payment whenever a candidate views or applies for a position.

But rather than setting up individual accounts on these job posting sites, it makes more sense to invest in a hiring solution that simplifies the process from start to finish. For example, an applicant tracking system that allows you to post to multiple job boards with a single click saves time while keeping costs under control.

Setting Up Your Recruiting Efforts on Job Posting Sites

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When you need to hire, your company needs to get the job description in front of people who are good fits. Make sure to consider the following steps in the process when preparing to recruit.

  • Brand profile: Think about your company branding and how it sets you apart from competitors. Today’s jobseekers are looking to work for organizations that share their values and help them feel like they’re contributing to something meaningful and fulfilling. Explore how you can incorporate your brand profile into your listings to give applicants a sense of what they could expect when working for your company.
  • Writing and posting job listings: Stay away from job descriptions that read like a lengthy list of requirements and opt for concise and engaging content instead. Consider what you would want to see when applying for a job and adjust your content accordingly. You can also take advantage of templates and other tools built into an ATS.

How to Stand Out on Job Posting Sites

Another challenge faced by employers of all sizes is standing out. In today’s hiring world, it can feel like you’re competing against countless organizations, especially when sharing and filling entry-level roles. But you can take advantage of the following tools to maximize your reach.

Organic tools

One of the best organic tools at your disposal as an employer is your reputation. Building a positive reputation as an appealing place to work can attract talent in droves. Utilizing feedback mechanisms from departing employees is also highly useful, as this information can help your organization identify areas for improvement.

Another beneficial organic tool is relying on existing employees. Ask your engaged and satisfied team members to share open positions and recommend people they know to fill them. Employee referrals don’t have to cost the company anything (although offering a bonus for referring a successful hire can go a long way). Nearly 90 percent of employers report that employee referrals are the most reliable source to generate quality candidates.

Paid/sponsored options

Putting some money behind your job ads will generate more views, and typically results in a higher number of applications. The key advantage to sponsoring a job listing is to boost its visibility. Indeed Sponsored Jobs deliver up to three times as many applications as a non-paid option. Employers can hire quicker and get in front of more people when using this tool.

Job posting site features to utilize

Each job posting site will have its own unique features, but some are shared across most platforms. You may need to create a login as a hiring professional with your organization, as well as establish a profile. Once you have completed these steps, you can begin posting descriptions and reviewing applications as they come through.

You may also search for registered users on job posting sites based on experience level, education, skills, and other factors. When you find someone who has the qualifications you’re looking for, consider sending a brief message with an invitation to apply.

Another tool to consider using is building a pool of qualified individuals. If you come across people who would be good fits with your culture and needs but don’t necessarily align with the current positions available, keep their information on file for future needs that may arise.

More is More: Managing Listings Across Multiple Job Posting Sites

Now that you understand job posting sites and how to use them, you can maximize your efficiency with ApplicantStack. Our applicant tracking solution is designed for the needs of small businesses, yet comes packed with the features used by the top organizations in the world.

You can create and manage templates, post to job boards and social media sites with a single click, and manage all your listings from a single location. Plus, robust features make it easy to identify top candidates, schedule interviews, keep the communication line open, and bring new hires onboard.

Try ApplicantStack for free and experience the difference for yourself.

A Look Back at the Top Hiring Challenges of 2023

A Look Back at the Top Hiring Challenges of 2023

At the start of 2023, we covered some of the expected hiring trends throughout the year. Now, we’re taking a look back to see which of those trends impacting hiring efforts for employers. Dive into the hiring challenges faced by recruiters and managers in 2023 as we prepare to start a new year.

2023 Hiring Trends

We mentioned internal movement as an expected trend, and that was certainly a thing in 2023. Internal mobility is a significant factor in employee retention and loyalty, so creating and offering opportunities for existing team members to advance are essential in your strategy. Contract or gig work also expanded substantially this year, with approximately 59 million people in the U.S. working in such roles. The demand surged significantly, and by 2027, it’s estimated that over 85 million Americans will perform some type of gig work.

Company culture remains an influential factor in the hiring market. It’s becoming more and more challenging for workplaces with toxic or unsupportive atmospheres to bring on and retain top talent. Investing in culture is a must for a business, regardless of size, to improve hiring efforts. Another trend was identifying ways to allow employees to integrate their personal and professional lives, rather than just separating and balancing them.

Challenges in Hiring This Year

Recruiters and hiring managers faced unique challenges associated with these trends and economic swings in 2023.

Finding top talent

One of the most commonly discussed difficulties was finding quality candidates. Intense competition and low unemployment rates contributed to this challenge, which plagued employers of all sizes. However, small businesses tend to struggle the most with finding top talent, as they may have trouble getting their open positions in front of a wider audience. The right applicant-tracking system can make this easier, with tools to share job descriptions to hundreds of sites with a single click.

Training and skills gaps

It’s hard to keep employees engaged and happy if they don’t feel like their employer is investing in their growth and development. Skills and training gaps are significant issues in workplaces that haven’t made learning and development a priority. When these elements are lacking, people often look elsewhere, resulting in higher employer turnover rates.

Unpredictability in the job market

The economy has played a serious role in hiring and growth efforts among businesses of all sizes and across all industries. Instability and unpredictability have resulted in fewer people looking elsewhere for work, instead choosing to remain where they are to feel more stable. Layoffs in many industries have forced others into the job market, requiring creativity and adaptability among those responsible for filling open positions.

Younger jobseeker preferences

If your hiring tactics are geared toward baby boomers or millennials, you may be having trouble attracting younger jobseekers. Members of Gen Z expect their workplaces to prioritize digital communication and collaboration, and this expectation starts with the hiring process. Without a proven solution in place that simplifies the hiring process, your company likely won’t get in front of Gen Z applicants.

The best tool for overcoming these and other challenges impacting hiring managers and recruiters is an applicant-tracking system. ApplicantStack aligns with your needs while fitting into your small-business budget. Explore how this hiring and recruiting system can help you take your efforts to the next level and build strong teams, despite the difficulties.