I spent 12 years in corporate HR, Recruitment and Office Management before moving into the online space working with small companies consisting of coaches, service providers and course creators.
I have seen a gap. There are so many small businesses who need to hire. They often don’t know who they need to hire for; they don’t have any sort of HR team yet because they are small; and are just too busy to do the hiring.
They are not interested in using a typical recruitment agency. These agencies are usually very sales focused, throwing a bunch of candidates at a company and hoping someone sticks for that commission. There is typically a lot of turnover in those situations.
The clients I work with don’t want this. They are committed to finding the right person who is aligned with their values. They want to take the time to find someone who suits their team; they want to take the time ensuring that this person is onboarded properly; and they want to build a super strong amazing team.
As an entrepreneur and a person who believes in the power of kindness and compassion, I want to change the hiring game. There are way too many toxic workplaces, people stuck in teams that don't suit them, and high turnover rates that just make everyone unhappy and slows business down.
I want to focus on shared values when hiring and create positive company cultures that bring out the best in everyone. A happy team means more productivity, less turnover, and ultimately more money.
So, let's talk about what it means to hire with heart.
Maybe you’re a small business owner and it’s time to hire someone for your team. How do you make sure you’re doing it the right way?
Make Real Connections
Get to know the people behind the resumes. Talk to them like friends, not just job applicants.
During interviews ask candidates about their interests and what drives them. Show that you care about their journey. This lets them know that you care about them as individuals and not just potential employees.
If they don’t end up on your team, make them feel respected and appreciated for their time and effort for submitting their application and taking the time to do an interview with you. A little kindness can go a long way and can leave a lasting impression.
And it’s not just about the skills. I have met many people during interviews and during my time in recruitment that I needed to advocate for because they didn’t have the exact qualifications but they had so much beyond that.
And guess what… they turned out to be the best employees and grew within the company.
By not taking the time to really get to know a person, you could be missing out on some really wonderful candidates.
Ultimately, building meaningful connections with people is the foundation of a thriving and positive workplace environment.
Welcome Everyone
Inclusive hiring means giving everyone a fair chance, no matter where they come from or who they are.
During the hiring process, it's super important to leave any unfair thoughts or judgments at the door. Treat every candidate equally and with respect.
Provide everyone with a comfortable space where they feel valued and included. It's all about making your team a place where everyone can thrive and bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Embracing diversity will not only make our team stronger but will also open doors to fresh ideas and creativity. Embracing those fresh ideas isn’t just good for the company—it’s great for everyone on the team too! When people feel valued and included, they feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and taking risks. They become more engaged and motivated to contribute their best, which creates an inspiring and collaborative work environment.
Do What's Right
Make the right choices and being honest from the get-go. When you're hiring, don't try to hide anything from the candidates. Always be straight up and honest with them.
It's super important to make sure the job description and job requirements are crystal clear from the very beginning. You don't want anyone to feel like they've been left in the dark. Let them know exactly what they can expect from the job so they can make the best decision.
Provide the salary range from the beginning! This doesn’t not need to be hidden or a secret. Every company has a range in mind when they post a job. By not providing this information at the front, it could lead to wasting a candidates time and your time.
And this is a big one - keep your promises! Don't trick anyone into joining your team. Be true to yourself and others. Treat people how you'd want to be treated.
If you have made a hiring decision, let those who took the time to apply know. This can be a super simple quick email but it will make all the difference in your reputation.
Ethical hiring will help you build a solid foundation for a happy and successful team. When you're honest and upfront, you gain trust and respect from your candidates. That kind of reputation spreads, making others excited to work with you and your brand well respected.
Care for Your Team
Offer fair pay to our team members. Let your team members know that you appreciate all that they do. This is going to make a huge difference in how they feel about their job.
It doesn't stop there after a new team member is hired! Take care of their well-being. Happy people make a happy team, so we want team members to feel good in an environment where everyone feels respected and supported.
Listen to their needs and concerns, and be there to help when they need it and just show that you genuinely care about their well-being, This strengthens the bond within the team and boosts overall morale.
A caring approach to hiring benefits everyone involved.