Last Updated on July 12, 2021

As many Small Businesses (SMBs) re-open following the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle continues due to the lack of workers to fill positions.

A March survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that 42% of owners had job openings that could not be filled, a record high. Ninety-one percent of those hiring or trying to hire reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill.

Many businesses have wondered if they would survive during the pandemic. Even if they did remain open their business may not be thriving due to a shortage of staff. This shortage in quality candidates is bleeding into a new season of problems including limited hours, limited services and overextended and stressed employees. In many cases, customer service and customer experience may not be at the level that they strive for, leading to complaints and a possible loss of business.

While many businesses have tried to retain as much of their original staff as possible, the weekly unemployment benefits that are part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) have tempted many to stay unemployed. 

The unemployment benefits were set to last through September 6, 2021, as part of the American Rescue Plan. Many states, however, are ending this in June and July in an effort to encourage people to get back to work.

SMBs will face a challenge as they fight for new talent.  It is important that hiring practices are done with quality in mind, in an effort to reduce turnover and increase business success.

Use Smart Hiring To Be Cost Effective, In Both The Short And Long Term

In the short term, smart hiring starts with how you promote or advertise your job posting. There are multiple ways to do this, however, the thing that is most important is the ease in which an applicant can apply and how the process is managed.

It is important to ask yourself if you make this a user-friendly process, or whether this is a cumbersome one. Most applicants are seeking a job out of need and move quickly. Mobile phone apps and text options, make the application process good for the applicant but also a smart first-step for the employer. With a smart Applicant Tracking System (ATS)  such as MyHire by MyHRConcierge, you can save money on advertising and utilize a code for applicants to apply by text. This can speed up the process and be much more effective and will move a bit faster than old-school methods. This will save you money on the front end in advertising as well as time and paperwork.

Screen your employees thoroughly on the front end with accuracy.

Job descriptions, interviewing and screening processes come together to play a major part in finding a quality employee(s).  Using a thorough background check company can ensure that you get what you see, and provide you with a system that is user-friendly and offers a broad search for background checks. A service that offers ongoing monitoring, can make a big difference in your outcome, as well.