Growth is on your mind as you make plans for 2025. As your small business grows, the need for reliable, skilled employees becomes paramount. In order to continue providing excellent service to your customers and maintain a strong internal culture, hiring the right people is critical. Joni-Gaye Cawley, HR Consultant at Joni-Gaye Cawley & Associates, steps into Entrepreneur Weekly to offer valuable insights into the key qualities small business owners should look for when recruiting new staff. Here are the five qualities she emphasises for successful hiring in a small business environment.
1. Cultural Fit
One of the most important factors to consider when hiring for a small business is cultural fit. “Small businesses usually have close-knit teams, and some are family-owned,” says Joni-Gaye Cawley. “As a recruiter, I look for candidates who share the company’s vision and values, especially if that vision is clearly defined.” Whether your team is composed of just a handful of employees or you’re working with a slightly larger group, ensuring that the new hire integrates well with the existing team dynamic is essential. Cawley continues, “I always ask candidates about their work style and interpersonal skills. I want to understand how they work with others and what environment they thrive in.” A good cultural fit ensures a smooth integration into your team and helps maintain a positive workplace atmosphere.
2. Adaptability
In a small business, employees often need to wear multiple hats, stepping in to handle tasks that may fall outside their core job description. This is why adaptability is crucial when looking for new hires. “Small businesses require employees who can easily adjust to different roles and responsibilities,” Cawley explains. “Candidates who are quick to learn new skills and aren’t limited by rigid job descriptions are highly valuable.” During interviews, Cawley probes candidates about their ability to work with limited resources and handle a variety of tasks. She adds, “I always ask candidates about their experience achieving results in a less structured, resource-constrained environment. These are the candidates who will thrive in a small business.”
3. Relevant Experience in Similar Business Types
Hiring candidates who have experience in a similar type of business is another key factor for success. A person who has worked in a small business environment is often better equipped to adapt quickly to the demands of your company. “Candidates who have worked in small businesses are typically more agile and able to adjust to the multi-faceted roles common in these settings,” says Cawley. This kind of experience can lead to quicker learning curves and smoother transitions, allowing new employees to contribute to the business more effectively from the start.
4. Potential for Future Growth
Small businesses are dynamic, and owners should look for candidates who can grow with the company. “When I’m recruiting, I don’t just hire for the current role; I look for individuals who have the potential to take on more responsibilities down the line,” says Cawley. She suggests that a great candidate will have demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning, whether through formal education, professional development courses, or on-the-job learning. “I always ask candidates about their career goals and what motivates them,” she shares. “If their aspirations align with the company’s growth trajectory, that’s a great sign. You want employees who are not just focused on the here and now but are also invested in growing with the business in the future.”
5. Soft Skills: Communication and Customer Service Orientation
While technical expertise is important, soft skills play a critical role in any small business setting. Employees who communicate clearly and effectively, both internally and with customers, help ensure smooth operations. Cawley explains, “The ability to express thoughts clearly, comprehend others, and answer questions concisely is essential.” In small businesses, where roles are often fluid, strong communication skills can make the difference between success and failure.
Additionally, customer service is crucial in maintaining your reputation. In Jamaica, for example, poor customer service is a frequent complaint, and business owners must actively work to ensure their employees provide excellent service. “I always ask candidates to tell me about a time they went above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction or solved a problem for a customer,” Cawley says. “The best candidates are those who instinctively know how to treat customers with respect and care.”
Bonus: A Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is often the secret weapon in small businesses where stress levels can fluctuate. “I ask candidates about how they handle setbacks and how they stay motivated,” Cawley shares. “A positive demeanour helps employees manage stress, stay motivated, and maintain a high level of energy, which is especially important in a small business.” Positive employees also tend to be more resilient, can work through challenges effectively, and often inspire their colleagues to keep pushing forward.
Joni-Gaye Cawley is a seasoned HR practitioner who provides HR solutions for Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through her business Joni-Gaye Cawley & Associates.
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