Don't Let A Tough Job Market Decide Who You Hire

Lately, during my presentations and consultations with leaders and management teams, I inevitably hear the same concern:

“It’s so hard to find good people right now!”

Leaders tell me they’ve had job openings posted for months. They’re worried that if they don’t fill the position quickly, they, their managers, or their employees will have to work overtime to fill the gap. And that’s when the “warm body hiring process” can begin.

You hire someone simply because you need someone. Unfortunately, that often leads to increased turnover, more expense, and even more time spent trying to solve the problem in the long run.

So, what can you do instead?

Here are some simple action steps you can take as a purpose-driven leader to find great employees, even in a tough job market.

Step One: Think From Your Ideal Outcome Before You Post Your Position

Before you post the position, take a moment to think about the outcome you want. Who is the person you really want to hire?

What qualities do they have? What makes them an extraordinary employee? What would they bring to your team, your culture, and your customers?

Too often, when a position has been open for a long time, leaders start thinking from the problem: “We need someone! Anyone! We’re short-staffed!” And that’s when the “warm body” hiring process begins.

Instead, think from your ideal outcome.

Know that the right person DOES exist, even in a tough job market, and get clear about what makes that person the right fit.

Then use that clarity to shape your job description, where you look for candidates, and how you talk about the position.

And even if you’ve had a position open for a long time, don’t resort to hiring just anyone.

Remember, you have an obligation to your current employees to hire someone who is a good fit for your culture and the position. 

Hiring the wrong person doesn’t just affect you. It can cause your great employees to become frustrated, resentful, and eventually leave.

Step Two: Think Beyond Traditional Job Posting

If you want to find great people, don’t rely solely on job boards. Start with the great employees you already have. Like-minded people tend to attract like-minded people. Ask your best employees if they know anyone who might be interested in working for your business.

And don’t overlook your customers! Advertise your opening to your client or customer email list. Talk to your customers about the position. Have your employees mention it to people they know. You might even put a sign in your business.

Think about it: Wouldn’t it be great to hire someone who is already a customer and believes in your company, products, or services?

Step Three: Make Your Job Description Something People Want to Be Part Of.

Don’t create a boring “warm body” job description and expect to attract an extraordinary person. If you want extraordinary people, give them something extraordinary to say yes to.

Talk about what your business is doing, where you’re going, the amazing people they’ll be working with, and what makes the position exciting. Help potential candidates see themselves as part of what you’re building.

Step Four: Talk About It Everywhere

Tell your friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and business connections that you’re looking for someone.

And keep talking about it! You never know when a casual conversation with your hairdresser, a fellow business owner, or even someone you meet at the grocery store might lead you to your next great employee.

Step Five: Look in Places You May Not Have Considered

Use alternative employee resources, such as local job service organizations and part-time staffing services.

Consider hiring veterans or people with disabilities. There are many incredibly loyal, committed, and talented people who may be overlooked by traditional hiring processes.

And use your social media platforms. You don’t have to do it all yourself.

Ask your employees to help spread the word. Chances are, someone on your team is much more comfortable with social media than you are and would be happy to help.

Don’t Let a Tough Job Market Decide Who You Hire

The next time you find yourself saying, “There just aren’t any good people out there,” stop and challenge that belief. There ARE good people out there.

Your job is to find them.

So, take a deep breath, get creative, involve your team, and know that YOU can be one of the leaders and businesses who excels at finding exceptional people, even in a tough job market.

Because the goal isn’t simply to fill the position. It’s to hire from the outcome you want, not from the problem you have today.

Here's to YOU being a leader who is making a difference, at work and in life!

ABOUT LESLIE

Leslie Cunningham helps small business owners and leaders create teams that care by transforming the leader first. With more than 30 years of experience, she specializes in personal leadership development that builds confident communication, strengthens accountability, elevates ownership, and creates cultures where people are genuinely motivated to perform. Leslie is an award-winning leadership expert, internationally published author, national columnist, and radio personality.

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