Using Your Web Site to Hire and Keep Employees

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In the recent report of Pacific Business News' "Hawaii's Fastest Fifty," 24 business owners stated finding and keeping competent employees was their biggest business challenge. Here are some ways your web site can help.

The Bare Feet opinion is that there is a big difference between hiring good people and finding those who can help you grow your company. Just think about ourselves for a moment. Motivation to perform well is rather case-specific. When it is something we want to do, we can bust a move! But if it is something someone else put on the "honey-do" list, well, let's just say the motivation is slightly different. So your job when hiring, is not just to find good people, but also to show them why it's in their best interest to come work — with — not for you. The latter is so "last century!"

Three Success Factors in Recruiting

1. Define The Ideal Person for the Job Chances are you went into business because of some particular skill you have or some thing you love to do — and neither has anything to do with managing people. Make a detailed list of both the technical skills and the personal qualities that will enable this person to shine on the job. That will give them a sense of satisfaction and will generate results for you. If you are not sure, start by observing either yourself or people you have hired who are a good fit for the company. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be to find a good match.
2. Clearly Explain The Benefits of Working in Your Company Especially in tight labor markets like Hawaii, it is as important to sell yourself to your employees as to your customers. In fact, many HR consultants insist on thinking of employees as your "internal customers." Don't just focus on the money and the benefits. Most of us also want to know things like: what are the day to day activities; how much stress is in the work place; and is there more competition or cooperation?
3. Think of Employees as Bridges, Not Stepping Stones Do you and your employees share the same goals or are they at odds with each other? You'll be able to recruit and keep capable people if your success and theirs are pointed in the same direction. There is a dramatic increase in "peer to peer" relationships in the business world. You can use this increasingly level playing field to your advantage.

How Can the Internet Help?

1. Post Your Available Positions on Your Web Site Internet users tend to be slightly more educated than the average public. People who find you online are demonstrating more up to date tech skills and are taking a proactive approach to looking for suitable employment. The more specific your job listing is, the easier it will be for potential hires to pre-screen themselves. Plus, having your positions listed means you could actually be hiring from a potential customer base (people who already know and like your product or services) and it is a sign your company is strong and growing.
2. Make Sure Your Web Copy Is as Appealing to Employees as to Customers Your company web site can be a great recruiting tool. Make sure part of your messaging includes what a great work place you have created. The same qualities that help you stand out from your competitors can be leveraged to attract top notch employees.
3. Feature Happy, Successful Employees on Your Web Site Real people convey a much more compelling message than just "sales speak." Use your site to highlight the unique and competent people that are here to serve your customers. It's great messaging for potential hires as well as for developing customer relationships.

Links

Fastest 50 at Pacific Business News
Employees of the Month at Southwest Airlines

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