When it comes to attracting qualified leads for a position, small business owners often struggle to gain the attention of skilled candidates. However, with the rise of networking websites and technology, such as LinkedIn, this process does not have to be as time-consuming or difficult.
For those who are unfamiliar, LinkedIn is a social media platform specifically designed to help professionals make strategic connections to expand their networks. Users employ LinkedIn to show off their work experience and any recent professional opportunities they took part in and stay informed on what their network has been doing. Additionally, businesses can place job postings on the platform that professionals can apply for directly from the social media platform.
Here are five reasons why small business owners may want to consider using LinkedIn when searching for job candidates:
1. Transparent Work Experience
Small business owners will likely find it extremely helpful to use LinkedIn when searching for job candidates, as their work history is listed on their profiles. Furthermore, candidates are more likely to be transparent when putting this information on their profiles, as their past coworkers and employers can likely see it. Thus, small business owners no longer have to worry if potential interviewees are lying about their experiences on their resumes. They can easily compare their resumes’ job roles and skills with those listed on their profiles. This will give small business owners confidence and peace of mind that the job candidates they hire are well-qualified and prepared to perform their work.
2. Connect One-on-One
Another reason small business owners should consider employing LinkedIn when searching for job candidates is the opportunity to connect one-on-one with them. They can send a message on social media to any professionals they believe would be a good match for the positions they are hiring for. This allows them to gauge their interest in working for their businesses while also getting a better understanding of what their personalities are like. In return, this will help small business owners decide which potential candidates will fit in with the culture of their workplaces, making it easier for them to complete their work successfully.
3. Personalized Bio, Interests, and Skills
LinkedIn is also a valuable tool for small business owners searching for job candidates because of the copious amount of information on each user’s profile. When creating a LinkedIn account, users are encouraged to write a bio that outlines their experiences as well as aspirations for the future of their careers. Additionally, they are prompted to enter any interests and skills they have that are relevant to their career paths. This information can help small business owners identify which individuals would be suitable matches for their open positions and invite them to apply. Furthermore, they are likely to learn much more about potential candidates through their profiles than they would through their resumes or cover letters.
4. Network and Activity
Additionally, small business owners will likely find it helpful to employ LinkedIn when searching for job candidates as they can evaluate how these individuals conduct themselves professionally. When viewing their profiles, small business owners can see any connections they share with potential job candidates. Furthermore, they can see all the people in their LinkedIn network if they connect with them. Suppose small business owners share many connections with a particular professional or see they are connected to others with relevant interests and positions to those they have open. In that case, that individual may be a good match for their workplace. Additionally, small business owners can browse users’ activity on the platform. They can see what they are posting, who they are interacting with, and what they are commenting on. The content of these interactions will provide great insight into how potential candidates conduct themselves professionally while also cluing small business owners in on whether they will be a good fit for their companies.
5. Advanced Features with LinkedIn Jobs
Lastly, small business owners who subscribe to LinkedIn Jobs will find the social media platform extremely helpful when searching for job candidates. However, they should know they must pay for this service. However, LinkedIn allows each small business owner to set a spending budget that works for their unique needs. With LinkedIn jobs, small business owners can post job listings, target users with favorable characteristics, and screen applicants. Furthermore, LinkedIn will even place a job listing’s most qualified applicants at the top, saving small business owners time.
LinkedIn is a beneficial tool for professionals looking for jobs and small business owners searching for suitable candidates to fill those jobs. When small business owners employ this social media platform, they take a more personalized approach to the hiring process. They can connect with potential employees one-on-one and discover more information about them without meeting them in person. Thus, small business owners tired of waiting for suitable applicants to come knocking on their doors may want to consider employing LinkedIn the next time they have a job opening. By doing so, they will put the power of the hiring process back in their hands.
All that said, there are other resources designed to help fill spots in your business, and depending on your industry, your ideal candidate may or not be on this platform. More traditional methods for hiring may be more suitable.
PaySmart is a payroll provider in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, supporting small businesses in the Central PA region. We are dedicated to helping small businesses take care of their payroll needs. To learn more about how PaySmart may provide payroll solutions, please get in touch with us at 717-766-1777. Our New Client Concierge is waiting for you!