7 Different Ways to Hire Employees and the Pros and Cons of Each

Employees know that hiring new employees takes a lot of time away from other business tasks, but it’s something that must be done. There are many different ways to go about hiring new employees, and here’s a look at the pros and cons of each.

#1: HR Firms

HR (human resources) firms are hired by many companies to take over all operations that relate to employees. This includes screening, interviewing, onboarding, and training. HR forms are also responsible for employee salaries and promotions, legal compliances, and termination, if necessary. 

HR takes the burden of finding and interviewing employees away from you, but you also lose a lot of control over this part of your business. This is typical when outsourcing any part of your business, but you do have the option to hire your own HR team to keep everything in-house.

#2: Internal Recruiting

Internal recruitment is the process of promoting current employees to new positions. This method will save you time and money, plus you know that you’re getting employees that you know you can trust. Promoting current employees also boosts employee retention and morale.

On the other hand, you’re still going to have to hire employees to fill the newly vacant position(s), so this method of hiring doesn’t work alone. You’ll still have to use another method on this list, or you can try employee referrals from your newly promoted employees. 

#3: Job Boards

Online job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn are one of the most common ways to hire new people, as it is also the most common way job seekers find work. Some job boards allow business owners to post openings for free, while others may charge a small fee.

Job boards allow you to reach a lot of people in a short amount of time, but this isn’t always beneficial. An influx of applications means more resumes to look over, more references to call, and more candidates to screen— which takes a lot of time.

#4: Print Advertising

Print advertising is one of the oldest forms of posting job openings, and it is still being used today. One of the most common forms of print advertising is newspaper ads, but billboard ads are also popular. You’re still able to reach an impressive number of people with this method of advertising.

However, printed advertising may not be the best option for all businesses. It can also be a pretty expensive way to advertise when you can use other methods of advertising that will reach more people.

#5: Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies are made up of experts who have experience in marketing toward job seekers. As a business, you’re not only marketing toward consumers, but also to job seekers. Recruitment companies like NAS know how to create a brand identity for your business that resonates with qualified job seekers. They can also create a talent pool (a group of skilled individuals) that you can call on when you’re hiring again.

The only downside to hiring a recruitment agency is the cost. Other methods of hiring can be more affordable for some businesses, but you can also shop around to find the agency that fits your budget. However, you’ll also want to choose an agency that will deliver quality employees.

#6: Social Media

More than two billion people use social media every day, and many job seekers turn to social media to find employment. Major social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram allow you to create business pages and provide tools for you to grow your business.

Unfortunately, social media can also bring an influx of applicants, making it harder to find the most qualified individuals. On the other hand, social media sites like LinkedIn also double as a job search platform, so this may work better for some businesses.

#7: Word of Mouth

Like print advertising, word of mouth is another traditional form of job advertising. Simply telling people that you’re hiring can be a way to find new employees. Employee referrals (having your employees tell others you’re hiring) fall under this category as well, and rewarding employees for bringing in qualified individuals is a newer form of word of mouth.

Still, you may get applicants that aren’t as qualified as you would like when using this method. The same goes for employee referrals, which is why employers hold out on rewarding current employees until their referrals prove to be good workers.

FAQ:

Q: How do I find qualified candidates for my job opening?

A: You can use various online platforms, such as job boards, social media, or professional networks, to post your job description and attract potential applicants. 

Q: What are some best practices for conducting a job interview?

A: You should prepare a list of relevant and behavioral questions that assess the candidate’s skills, experience, and fit for the role. Provide a clear overview of the job expectations, responsibilities, and benefits.

Q: How do I make a job offer to a candidate?

A: You should contact the candidate by phone or email and express your interest in hiring them. Provide a written offer letter that outlines the key terms and conditions of employment, such as salary, benefits, start date, and probation period.

Q: How do I onboard a new employee?

A: You should prepare a comprehensive and engaging orientation program introducing the new employee to the company culture, values, and goals. Assign a mentor or buddy to help the new employee navigate the work environment, learn the processes and systems, and meet the team members.

Q: How do I retain and motivate my employees?

A: You should provide your employees with opportunities for growth and development, such as training, coaching, or mentoring. Recognize and reward their achievements, contributions, and performance.

Not every business is the same, so not every method of hiring will work for every type of business. As a business owner, you must determine which method of hiring will work best for your business.