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trouble hiring a qualified employee lately? If so, you certainly
aren’t alone. The current low unemployment rates (as
low as 3% in some states), coupled with an increased demand for
employees with better-than-average job skills, making the hiring
pool “shallower” than ever.
Placing a want-ad is no longer an effective means of finding qualified
people--the competition for superb employees is just too fierce. Try
using a less-obvious approach when you are searching for the perfect
candidate. Jaqueline Lynn recommends the following procedures
in an article published in the September 1997 issue of Entrepreneur:
It’s not what you know but who you know
This
axiom, common among job-search candidates, applies for employers
as well. Your personal and private acquaintances are a great
network for “word-of-mouth” advertising when you have
a job opening.
Employee referrals
Your employees themselves are
a great resource for recommendations of individuals with appropriate
skills. Consider offering a cash bonus for any employee who
recommends a candidate who is hired.
Age is wisdom
Some of the best employees are retiree’s who are looking
for extra income or a way to fill time. Post notices at
your local senior citizen’s center.
Use an employment agency or an appropriate job bank
You
will save time and money taking advantages of the fact that most
agencies pre-screen their job candidates. Also, professional
associations often maintain a job bank that could be a good source
if you are interested in employees with specific skills--even potential
candidates that live outside of your area.
Be sure your compensation package is at or above industry
standards
Enrolling with a Personal Employer Organization
may dramatically increase the scope and variety of benefits
and “perks” you
can offer your employees.
AmCheck offers nationwide Employee Hiring Assessment & Employee
Leasing services. Get a quote.
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