Small business owners know they have challenges unique to their size. Larger organizations have overcome the first hurdles of how to run their businesses and understand more about the market and the internal systems needed to thrive. They have naturally moved beyond survival and into a natural marathon mode that can sustain their organization, hopefully for years to come. Small business owners typically need to be reminded that their work isn’t a sprint.  

Recruiting is one area where small business owners face challenges. Company growth can be sporadic, which means that recruiting efforts can be short and quick instead of systematized and methodical. Here are some important points for the small business owner seeking talent to help remind you that recruiting should always be a marathon and not a sprint. 

Attracting Talent to Small Business 

The first thing to understand about the marathon of recruiting is that the majority of workers you’re seeking are already employed. It is the passive job candidate you must work to attract, but chin up, that’s about 70% of the workforce, according to a study last year published in Inc. 

17,000 workers in 19 industries completed the Workplace Health Survey last year. The said the number one reason they left or wanted to leave their job was due to a lack of support and recognition by their employer. Small companies seeking talent should pay close attention to these figures, and tailor the workplace to engage the talent they already have. 

Consistently Attracting Talent to a Small Company 

You already know you cannot compete with the salaries paid by larger companies. Big companies offer big benefits and may even a catered lunch on Fridays. But small companies have benefits that set them apart from their larger competitors, including: 

  • Flat management structures that are less bureaucratic. This can allow workers and employers to develop tighter relationships and stronger teams. 
  • Small companies and start-up organizations let people try on and wear a lot of different hats. This is particularly attractive for workers seeking to learn new skills. 
  • Smaller companies offer workers the opportunity for big growth along with more flexibility. 
  • Too, these companies are more likely to tailor a job description to fit the skills of the employee and not try to cram an employee into one corporate job description. 

Entrepreneurs can make the case compelling for working in a small business. Where they often struggle in today’s job market is even finding the time to cultivate relationships with passive job candidates that could bring valuable skills to the team. That’s where the right technology can help. Exelare offers an applicant tracking system designed to improve your candidate search. Talk to us about helping your small business turn your recruiting efforts into a marathon and not a sprint. Schedule a demo today!