Summer is right around the corner and for many small businesses in Washington DC signifies an influx of college graduates and interns. Whether your small business is looking to bring on new permanent staff or additional summer help, finding the right candidate can make a big difference in moving your business forward. Read on for our tips and tricks to find the best, brightest addition to your business. After you've found your next great employee we'll help you accommodate them with flexible, budget-friendly options.
Get the Word Out
Use all the resources you have at your disposal. From big brands like Indeed and LinkedIn to university specific postings, publicize openings across multiple sites for greatest exposure and diversity of applicants. Encourage your existing employees to reach out to their networks to spread the word and bring in referrals; chances are your staff already knows somebody that would meet the necessary credentials and fit well into your company culture.
Be an Open Minded Interviewer
While resumes and cover letters can provide vital information about an applicant’s credentials and experience, meeting them in person can shine a brighter light on their skills. If you are even halfway interested in learning more about an applicant, bring them in for an interview. You may find that somebody with different credentials can provide a more diverse perspective and bring greater experience to the position or you may realize that somebody who looked good on paper isn’t the right fit. If you are unsure of whether or not to extend an offer to a candidate take an evening to sleep on it. You’re better off hiring the right person from the start instead of filling the position with somebody less suited to what you are looking for.
Ask the Right Questions
Many students and recent graduates apply with previous professional experience under their belt. If applicants exhibit the abilities you’re looking for but don’t have previous business experience, make sure to ask the right questions. Asking about coursework, interactions with other students in clubs and organizations, as well as inquiring about writing skills can demonstrate a candidate's work style and skills. Also, trust your instincts; if a candidate does not seem like the right fit for your company they probably aren’t. The perfect addition to your company is out there, although you may have to sift through a few rocks before finding the diamonds.
Hiring interns and recent graduates is more than filling job and qualification descriptions. Bringing on new staff is an addition to your company culture, new relationships with fellow employees, and a new layer to an existing system. Here at AdvantEdge we can help you welcome new employees and seasonal interns and make sure your staff has enough workspace to function efficiently and comfortably. We’ll work with you to provide additional workspace for new staff ranging from temporary workstations to additional offices and private office suites. Click the button below for more information about our workspaces.
