Want to grow your promo business but finding it difficult to find employees? One of the ongoing challenges for small businesses is recruiting and retaining talented staffers. A recent survey from Goldman Sachs shows that 59% of small businesses are hiring, but most (82%) are finding it hard to get the help they need.

If you’re in the market for a few good workers, read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we’re highlighting a post from the Homebase blog on how you can hire and keep excellent employees.

Start with a detailed job post. Make the job title and description as specific as possible. Check out similar job postings and use keywords you see there. Should you list salary? Yes, according to the Homebase blog. Nearly 1 in 4 jobseekers want to see this information.

Post on job boards. This is a quick way to connect with potential candidates, the post says. Get your opportunity out there by using commonly used sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.

Tap into social media. Jobseekers are increasingly using social media to find jobs because it allows them to connect with hiring managers and leadership. The post says that 92% of employers are also using social media to recruit and hire new talent — and that’s not just LinkedIn. Leverage all your company’s social media channels by publishing #hiring posts and showcasing what makes your business unique.

Add a career page to your company website. Anytime you want to add to your team, publish a page on your site that lists job opportunities and your company’s values. You might also want to add an FAQ section to answer any common questions.

Attend job fairs. Is there a university near you? Find out when the school hosts job fairs for upcoming graduates. You can also use sites like Eventbrite that let you know of upcoming career expos you could attend.

Ask employees for referrals. If you already have a team, ask them who they might recommend for your company’s open positions. The Homebase post says satisfied employees can be some of your company’s strongest ambassadors. You could even sweeten the deal by rewarding their referrals with promos.

Don’t overlook interns or entry-level employees. These people may not have all the experience you’d like, but they know your business. Plus, the post says they won’t have any less-desirable habits to unlearn because you can tailor their training to match your needs.

Start an employee recognition program. Once you bring on your new team members, build a strong culture with an employee recognition program. It’s even better when you can tie the program into your company’s values, the post says. For example, if your business values teamwork, give promos or bonuses based on teamwork rather than performance.

Whether you’re bringing on your first employee or adding to your team, it can be challenging finding qualified people for your promo company. But take heart — you can recruit and build a phenomenal group. Consider the guidance above when adding to your team.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: The Homebase blog. Homebase helps businesses manage their work schedules, time clocks, payroll, HR and more.