As a small business owner, finding and retaining talented employees can be one of your greatest challenges. The right hiring practices not only save you time and money but also build the foundation for your company’s growth and success.
This guide provides practical hiring strategies tailored specifically for small businesses, along with information about an upcoming local opportunity to connect with potential employees.
- Define Your Needs Clearly
Before posting a job opening, take time to clearly define:
- Specific skills and qualifications needed
- Daily responsibilities and expectations
- Whether the position is full-time, part-time or contract-based
A detailed job description attracts candidates who are truly qualified and helps you evaluate applicants consistently.
- Look Beyond Traditional Hiring Channels
While job boards have their place, small businesses often find success through:
- Employee referrals (consider offering a referral bonus)
- Local community colleges and trade schools
- Industry-specific social media groups and forums
- Networking events and job fairs (more on this below!)
- Partnerships with local workforce development programs
- Streamline Your Interview Process
Small business owners are busy, so create an efficient interview process:
- Use phone screenings for initial candidate filtering
- Prepare standardized interview questions for fair comparison
- Include key team members in the interview process
- Make decisions promptly to avoid losing strong candidates
- Emphasize Your Small Business Advantages
When competing with larger companies, highlight unique benefits:
- Greater responsibility and opportunity for growth
- Direct impact on business outcomes
- Being part of a close-knit team
- Prioritize Cultural Fit and Growth Potential
Finding someone who fits your company culture is often as important as technical qualifications:
- Look for adaptability and willingness to learn
- Consider how candidates handle challenges and feedback
- Assess communication style and teamwork capabilities
- Develop a Simple Onboarding Process
Create a structured first week for new hires:
- Prepare workspaces and equipment before they arrive
- Make introductions to key employees
- Set short-term goals for their first 30/60/90 days
Local Opportunity: Northside Job Fair
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Stage AE, 400 N. Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Free parking available in Gold Lot 1 (792 W. General Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA 15212)
- Pre-registration is suggested, but walk-ins are welcome
- The WIN Workforce Development Program will provide on-site assistance with applying for jobs
- Dress for Success Pittsburgh will offer free business attire for those in need
This free event offers small business owners a valuable opportunity to:
- Connect with qualified job seekers in the Pittsburgh area
- Network with other local businesses and organizations
- Learn about workforce development resources
Employers can register HERE.
Jobseekers can register HERE.
Note for job seekers:
Job seekers attending the fair should bring copies of their resume (the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh offers free printing for up to ten pages) and dress professionally. Attendees can arrive and leave at any time during the event hours.
Those who register by May 9, 2025, and attend will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card!
For questions about the job fair, contact Quinn Kirby at 412-231-6500 or quinn@northsidechamberofcommerce.com.
Pittsburgh Resources for Small Business Hiring
In addition to the job fair, Pittsburgh offers numerous organizations and resources specifically designed to help small businesses with their hiring needs:
Workforce Development Organizations
- Partner4Work: Connects funding, expertise and opportunities for employers and job seekers in the Pittsburgh area. They can help businesses find and retain talent needed to grow and thrive.
- Pittsburgh Job Corps: Free career training for students ages 16-24. Employers can access this rich pool of candidates qualified in a range of disciplines.
- PA CareerLink®: Provides resources for connecting employers with job seekers, including access to SkillUp™ PA, which offers free online job skills training to Pennsylvania residents.
Final Thoughts
Hiring may seem daunting for small businesses with limited resources, but thoughtful planning and leveraging local opportunities can help you build a strong team without breaking the bank. Remember that every person you bring on board shapes your company’s future, so taking the time to get it right pays dividends in productivity, innovation and growth.