As a small business owner, you already wear many hats, one of which is that of a recruiter. It’s your job to vet potential employees, interview candidates, and write the job description, contract and onboarding plan. As it stands, your time is limited. Luckily, there are plenty of HR technology tools to help you.
There are plenty of software solutions available to assist you, but it’s tricky to find the right fit. Any money invested in this area needs to be worth your while. We’ve put together a quick plan that will aid you in talent management and recruitment. In this area, it’s about working smarter, not harder.
Before you get started
Take a moment to assess your current online presence. Candidates will see your ads or job posts and search for you online. If you don’t have an existing website or careers page, you need to rectify this before working with any tech tools. Platforms like Wix help you create full-featured, mobile-friendly websites that will stand out to potential new hires. Use your social media channels to show what it’s like to be a part of the team at your small business.
Find new candidates with a sourcing tool
A recruitment agency can charge high fees. Luckily, there are other ways to reach candidates outside your immediate network. A sourcing tool scans through profiles, resumes and other data about candidates to help you find someone who is a good fit.
Platforms like Zoho Recruit, CareerBuilder, BreezyHR and LinkedIn Talent Solutions have emerged as some of the top recruitment marketing tools for small businesses. Each platform offers an array of benefits when it comes to sourcing your applicants. Zoho Recruit provides comprehensive CRM along with automated job posts and career pages, while LinkedIn’s programmatic ads can reduce your cost per hire. CareerBuilder allows you to create custom, targeted media campaigns, and BreezyHR offers job advertising and exciting features like a referral program. BreezyHR’s flexible pricing is another bonus for your tight budget.
[Read more: A Guide to Choosing and Using Employee Recruiting Tools]
There are plenty of software solutions available to assist you, but any money invested in this area needs to be worth your while.
Manage the hiring process
Once your sourcing tool delivers a list of worthy candidates, you need a way to track communication with each individual as they progress through your hiring process. Applicant tracking software can manage your email correspondence, interview scheduling and feedback, and any application tests you may wish to use. Some free ATS tools include Freshteam, Homebase and When I Work.
With these tools, you’ll be able to publish jobs, track, rate and comment as you evaluate candidates. Even Facebook job posts allow you to manage your correspondence, tracking applications as they come in.
[Read more: How to Automate the Hiring Process]
Let candidates schedule their interviews
Utilize a scheduling tool like Deputy, Calendly or Woven to streamline scheduling and let potential new hires select a time slot that works with both your schedules. These tools give you and your interviewees more flexibility when it comes to arranging an interview and cut down on time-consuming back-and-forth communication. If you’re really short on time, it’s worth exploring video tools like Interviewsteam, VidCruiter and Zoom to conduct remote interviews. High-quality video interviews could save you essential resources.
Do your due diligence with a background check tool
Before you make an offer, you need to complete an employee background check. It will look into the candidates’ criminal records, driving history, social security validation, and registry check, all things you need to be aware of as their future employer. Use tools like GoodHire, AccurateNow and Sterling Check as a screening service during the hiring process.
Track a new hire’s performance
Once you’ve found the right candidate, you’ll need to track their progress within the business using an HR management tool. It’s a common mistake to forgo this step, and before you know it, you haven’t tracked sick days or annual leave, and payroll is a nightmare. Platforms like Deputy, BambooHR, Agliloft and Gusto will make this a breeze. Manage employee contracts and store everything online with e-sign tools like SignNow.
Outsource if you need to
If HR is something you genuinely battle with, some platforms can do it all for you. Bambee connects companies to dedicated HR managers who will help with an HR audit, recruiting, hiring, onboarding and HR compliant policies starting from $99 a month. Take advantage of their free trial to make sure it’s the right match for your business.
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