Hiring the right talent is the single most essential factor for business growth.

 

But bad hiring decisions have business repercussions and costs that go beyond just the salary costs. 

Our Toronto recruitment team works with organizations of all sizes, from high-growth startups to global brands, to help them build high-performing teams that drive business growth. Below are some of our strategies and insights for hiring effectively for business growth.

Align on hiring goals before you hire 

Before starting the hiring and recruitment process, take the time to clearly define your growth goals and align as a leadership team on your hiring needs. Are you looking to expand into new markets, increase your product/service offerings, or boost revenue by a certain percentage? Understanding your growth objectives is crucial because it will influence the type of talent you need to hire. Your entire leadership and hiring team should aligned before the hiring process starts to avoid delays and surprises down the road. 

Cultivate your employer brand with a strong candidate experience

A strong employer brand helps attract great talent and retain existing employees. One of the most powerful ways organizations can build their brand is by talking about their ‘Why’. Showcase your company's values, culture, and mission during every step of the candidate journey, from the job description to the application process to interviews.

Highlight what makes your workplace unique and why it's a great place to work. An appealing employer brand can help you stand out in a crowded field.

Interview for values and potential 

Interviews are your opportunity to evaluate not only a candidate's skills and past experience but also their cultural fit and potential for future growth. Work with your HR and recruitment team to prepare interview questions that assess both technical competencies and soft skills, behaviours and values. Look for candidates with a high level of emotional intelligence who have demonstrated the ability to learn and adapt to new challenges. Ask about past experiences where they had to pivot or innovate in response to shifting circumstances. 

Onboard for success

Onboarding can make or break a new hire’s experience. A great onboarding experience can boost employee retention by more than 50%. The average onboarding program lasts 90 days but it typically takes employees 12 months to reach their full performance potential. Employees who have a positive onboarding experience are almost three times as likely to feel prepared and supported, boosting their confidence and improving their ability to perform their job well.

Your onboarding goals should focus on the four Cs: compliance, clarification, culture, and connection. Create a multi-departmental onboarding team. The sooner you can introduce your new hires to team members across the organization and importantly, to leadership, the better. 

Provide ongoing opportunities for development

Talented employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their professional development. Offer ongoing training and mentorship programs to help your team members grow in their roles. When employees see a path for advancement within your organization, they are more likely to commit to your long-term vision.

Hiring for business growth is not just about filling seats; it's about strategically selecting individuals who can drive your organization forward. Remember, the right hires will be your most valuable asset for business growth. So, invest the time and effort needed to make strategic hiring decisions that will shape the future of your business.

Not sure where to start? We can help.

At South End Partners, our Toronto executive recruiters work with large and small organizations across industries (from technology, to manufacturing and supply chain, to sales and operations) to help them find the right leaders for the right opportunities using an objective, data driven approach.

We also provide comprehensive HR consulting services including onboarding support, interview coaching and training, and strategies to develop your superstar teams.

Reach out to find out how we can help you today!