Finding the Right Employees?

[dis]

How do you find the right employees for your company? I've gone through craigslist, hotjobs etc. What other venues do you use?

[ksanalytical]

I'm struggling with the same problem. The last guy I hired was introduced to me by a machinist friend of mine (My business is not machining or fabrication related) and he was great. Looking through Craigslist made me a little sick. Seems like everyone on there is unemployed because they either have no skills or are simply looking for a paycheck, not a job...

My next move will be to search out hobbyist groups that center around electronics etc... I figure, if I can find someone who's interested (I don't need an EE) I can train them the rest of the way.

Technical schools seem to pump out either high quality people (like those who learned everything in the military, but now need a degree to enter the private sector) or useless people. Colleges are full of over educated kids who think they know more than they actually do (and expect a salary to match).

Best of luck to you though...

Ken

[CNCRim]

Don't you think that sometime employer ask too much from one person? Everything got the risk, there is no such thing is risk free.

Make a list of what you ask for in a person you want to hire, and interview them on it, and hope she/he can deliver what she/he said. I guess if you want do everything your way, do it yourself.

[SirSmash]

If it's a small business, word of mouth. If a friend recommends someone you can always ask about the person and you'll learn a lot more than interviewing some random guy in a few minutes.

[harryn]

IMHO, the most important employee trait is for them to be honest. Frankly, after that, the differences get small fast.

As far as "job" vs "paycheck", are you offering "work" or a "career path"?

Let's be honest, small companies usually have very little to offer in terms of career path, job growth training, social outlets, and minimal benefits compared to a larger firm. While it is relatively easy to obtain a position in a small company after working for a large one, the reverse is not true. More or less, taking a job at your small firm is nearly a career death sentence for them.

I have a small company as well, and you need to be willing to offset these differences with cash and a "family like experience" to make up for the small company defficiencies.

The one big advantage your small firm can offer is a willingness to hire people in their late 40s and 50s. Large companies toss people in this age catagory out the door all of the time, just because of flat age bias. Consider allowing somewhat more flexible working hours and you can open up a gold mine.

[ksanalytical]

I agree with the "word of mouth" suggestion. I mentioned that this is actually how I found my last employee and that was a great experience.

As far as the "paycheck" vs "job" statement, my last guy cared as much about the quality of his work as he did about his check. That's what I was trying to get across. He loved the job and his attitude made him excellent at it, until Uncle Sam called him out of the reserves.

I'm sure there are a thousand guys waiting to tell me that the "real problem" is that employers expect too much or pay too little, so I'll say good luck to my fellow employers and goodnight to the rest.

Ken

[DouglasR]

One thing to keep in mind. What do you mean by "right employee?" Does that mean "cheap" or "qualified." There is no "and" in between those words.

I used to hear this at my old job constantly. What they wanted was a degreed engineer who was expert in CNC CAD and machining, someone who would instruct others, read prints, QC the work and perform maintenance in the shop, and they wanted him for $8 - 10 per hour. What was amazing was that they thought such an animal truly existed.

You can find really good help. But it will COST. You can find really cheap help - and it will COST after they destroy a machine or scrap a job.
Just sayin'...