Business Mentor

We know that staff are critical to business success, but how do we attract top talent to a small business?

Richard Manthel, General Manager of Robert Walters, responds:

We all live surrounded by online information. Resourceful candidates have access to thousands of available jobs and detailed company information.

Candidates will use this information to research your company and make informed decisions based on things important to them. We can turn this into an advantage for small businesses.

The internet can be used effectively to spread your message. One option is to make use of the major jobsites now viewed by a high percentage of New Zealand job seekers, for example www.seek.co.nz, www.nzjobs.co.nz, and www.netcheck.co.nz.

Advertisements can be placed for as little as $100 and can include all information about your company and the opportunity advertised.

When writing the advertisement think about why a candidate would want to work for you and then give the draft to your staff for comment.

Is the advertisement realistic? Does it accurately represent your culture, values, and the job itself? Remember to include a list of all the advantages of working for your company.

Think about what would be important to your potential employee - gym membership, car park, good holidays, flexible hours, competitive salary.

Before you start responding to applicants, make sure you are prepared. Know what you are looking for, understand the role in detail, and be ready to answer candidates' questions.

Be prepared for the interview, read the CV and have questions written down. Remember, you and your company are being judged by the candidate.

Never underestimate the candidate's expectations and don't give the candidate any reason to be disappointed. Always be respectful. Good hunting.

Links


myjob.co.nz

Seek.co.nz

nzjobs.co.nz

Netcheck

Interview guide

* Send questions to Mentor: business@nzherald.co.nz Answers will be provided by Business in the Community's Business Mentor Programme.