Finding Top Talent – When It’s Time to Get Some Help

Written by Sheri Welsh – SPHR, CPC, CERS 

The struggle to find talent is real.  The acute shortage of professional talent is staggering! Traditional methods of finding key employees such as job board or website postings often fail to produce a single acceptable candidate.  It might just be time to seek help.  But many family businesses are hesitant to do that.

Growing up in a family owned business, I understand the struggle in deciding whether or not to outsource a function.  We carefully weigh the investment against our ability to do the work internally.  If you’ve built a strong operation, with a great customer base and an excellent reputation you may have never experienced a problem with recruiting talent – until now.  You may never have faced a business challenge that you couldn’t solve with the help of your family leadership team.  And when it comes to recruiting, many think, “This shouldn’t be that hard! We should be able to handle this!”  Unfortunately, the game has changed – sourcing great talent just isn’t easy anymore.

Here are some tips on how to know when it’s time to get some help:

• You don’t have the resources to conduct the search.  Without the contacts, network, and tools to source “A” level candidates, you could come up empty.
• You don’t have the time to conduct the search.  If you don’t have time to dedicate to managing a search, how long will it take you to fill the position?  And what’s the cost in lost business while the position remains open and your focus is directed elsewhere?
• Your business needs an individual with skills it doesn’t have. When hiring for skills outside your area of expertise, it is wise to enlist the help of a professional who understands the position better than you do.
• Your company culture requires a unique style and fit.  Hiring for culture fit often requires a very strategic, targeted approach and direct sourcing efforts that require outside support.
• You won’t settle for a mediocre candidate.  If “good enough” is just not for you, it’s time to call a search firm to find your next rock star.