They say good help is hard to find, but it's not impossible. It's all a matter of clearly defining what your needs are and screening the applicants accordingly. The better you know what you're looking for, the more likely you'll be able to find someone with those skills. Take your time and assess potential employees very carefully. The human element of your company is more significant than the brand of computer you're using.

Classified Ads

If you're hiring locally, place ads in local papers. Also consider classified ads in trade publications. Keep the ad brief and make the job description (and list of requirements) clear. Explain the basic skills you require and the experience you prefer. Don't ask for unreasonable amounts of experience, like ten years in the Internet field if you don't truly need that level of expertise. Include any technical know-how that a person should have and exactly what you want to see (for example, a resume, work samples, and cover letter). Also include how applicants should get their information to you (e-mail, fax, or mail). Give a few options—not everyone has e-mail.

Some metropolitan area newspapers feature greatly expanded joblisting sections once or twice a year. If the timing works out, this is a great time to include your listing because the paper aggressively markets the section, drawing the attention of a large pool of job seekers.

Web Postings

You can post a job opportunity on your own website or on any of the many employment websites. Monster (www.monster.com), Yahoo! HotJobs (www.hotjobs.yahoo.com), and Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) are among the many places where individuals look for work—which makes them excellent places to post. Keep in mind, however, that the web is worldwide, so put your location up top in the ad. You don't want people from Panama City overlooking the fact that you're located in Peoria.

Employment Agencies and Headhunters

Employment agencies generally sign up far more applicants than they can find jobs for, so they may have someone to place in your business. Few agencies are very creative, so you'll need to be extremely clear about your needs. If the job isn't easily defined, you may run into trouble. Headhunters, however, take a more professional approach and deal with higher-level executives whom they are trying to place accordingly. They can sometimes be helpful if you're looking for top-level talent.

Make sure your job-posting requirements are commensurate with the salary or wages you are offering. If your budget doesn't match your grand wish list for credentials, education, and experience, you will be frustrated when you only hear from candidates who expect to earn more than you do.

Friends and Family

The business world is largely run based on the “who you know” principle, especially in certain fields, such as the entertainment industry. Consider those people you know and trust—but remember, when friends work for friends, trouble can ensue. Establish a business relationship in the office that is separate from your personal relationship.