How to Attract Entry-Level Employees

Entrepreneurs may find it particularly difficult to attract entry-level employees when setting out to hire new talent for their small businesses. While they may have an onslaught of applications from candidates with years of experience, they will often find they have garnered little to no interest from those just entering the workforce. However, small business owners should not become discouraged if this is the case. Entry-level employees often refrain from applying for positions immediately as they do not feel qualified. Despite having the appropriate education or training, entry-level employees fear being rejected for not having enough experience. Furthermore, they are immensely picky. They want the roles they apply for to offer all the perks and benefits they could dream of, which makes getting them to submit their resume and applications quite challenging for small business owners. However, this does not make attracting this scarce group of workers impossible. Small business owners must spend careful time crafting job descriptions in a way that convinces these candidates they can get the job and makes the role sound as appealing as possible. They need to put on their public relations and marketing hats to craft a job description that connects with entry-level employees and excites them about the possibility of working for their businesses. Luckily, PaySmart has some tips for small business owners to make attracting these job candidates more accessible than ever before.

Here are five ways small business owners can attract the scarcest worker: the entry-level employee:

1. Explicitly state the level of education or experience required.

One surefire way small business owners can increase the likelihood they will attract entry-level employees is by clearly stating the education and experience requirements for the position. This will take away the guessing game that many entry-level employees put themselves through when reading job descriptions. When they can evaluate whether or not they are qualified for the position, they are more likely to apply for it. Therefore, taking time to break down and list these requirements will increase the number of entry-level employees small business owners attract.

2. Provide on-the-job training.

Another way small business owners can strive to attract the scarcest workers is by being willing to provide on-the-job training to new hires. Entry-level employees will be more inclined to and feel more comfortable applying to positions where they know they are not required to know and can do everything immediately. While it will take more time and money for the small business owner to provide this training, it will allow them to ensure their new hires complete their work precisely as intended. Entry-level employees will be much more likely to apply for a position offering this training than one offering none.

3. Emphasize work-life balance.

Small business owners can also work to attract entry-level employees by showing their commitment to ensuring their employees can balance their work with their personal lives. Today, more so than ever before, young job seekers are looking for positions that will allow them to have a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, small business owners are sure to attract the attention of entry-level employees when they explicitly state this is valued at their businesses. Gone are the days when entry-level employees wanted to work overtime and hustle. These employees want to work hard when on the clock and shift their attention to their personal lives once the clock strikes 5 p.m.

4. Give an inside look at the workplace culture.

Entry-level employees will also be inclined to apply for positions that take the time to inform them of what the culture is like in the workplace. Many young employees want to work in businesses where they know they will agree and align with the culture, mission, vision, and values. Therefore, if they can conclude that they will fit in at the business and connect with its culture, they will be more likely to apply for a position there.

5. Clearly state any benefits offered.

Lastly, small business owners can work to attract entry-level employees by listing all benefits employees have the opportunity to take advantage of in the job description. Many entry-level employees today want to work for businesses that will provide healthcare, paid sick, and vacation time. Furthermore, they want to apply for positions that allow them to move up in the company and take on more responsibilities. Therefore, small business owners can work to attract these candidates by ensuring to clearly state all benefits, perks, and opportunities that come with the position. When laid out, entry-level employees are more inclined to apply. Attracting entry-level employees is not always easy for small business owners. Since these employees are often reluctant to apply for positions, they must learn to draw them in by speaking their language. These employees need to be marketed to. Therefore, convincing them to use it starts with a strong job description. When a job description resonates with them, they are much more likely to pursue the position. 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, don’t hesitate to contact us at 717-766-1777. Our New Client Concierge is waiting for you!