Finding great employees is crucial for any business to succeed. In Nigeria, where talent is abundant but competition for top workers can be fierce, knowing how to hire the best staff is especially important. Here, I share some practical strategies to help you attract and select the right people for your team.
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Know exactly what you’re looking for
Before you start trying to hire the best staff, you need to be clear about what you need. Write down the specific skills, experience, and qualities that are important for the job. Think about not just the technical skills, but also personality traits that would fit well with your company culture. Having a clear picture of your ideal candidate will help you recognize them when you meet them.
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Use multiple channels to advertise
To hire the best staff, you need to cast a wide net. In Nigeria, this means using a mix of traditional and modern methods:
- Online job boards like Jobberman
- Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn
- Professional associations in your industry
- University career centers
- Employee referrals
- Newspaper ads (still effective in some sectors)
Using a variety of channels increases your chances of reaching the right candidates.
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Write clear, attractive job descriptions
Your job posting is often the first impression candidates have of your company. To hire the best staff, make sure your job descriptions are clear, informative, and appealing. Include:
- Specific responsibilities of the role
- Required qualifications and experience
- Information about your company culture
- Any unique benefits or perks you offer
Be honest about the challenges of the role too. This helps ensure you attract candidates who are truly interested and capable.
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Screen applications carefully
Once the applications start coming in, take time to review them thoroughly. Look for candidates whose qualifications match what you’re looking for, but also pay attention to how they present themselves. Well-written, error-free applications often indicate attention to detail and good communication skills.
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Conduct thorough interviews
Interviews are your chance to get to know candidates. In your hiring process, go beyond just asking about their resume. Consider using:
- Behavioural questions (“Tell me about a time when…”)
- Problem-solving scenarios related to the job
- Skills tests or practical demonstrations
- Multiple rounds of interviews with different team members
This comprehensive approach helps you assess not just skills, but also how candidates think and work.
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Check references
Always take the time to check references. This step is crucial to hiring the best staff, as it gives you insights from people who have worked with the candidate. When calling references, ask specific questions about the candidate’s performance, reliability, and how they work with others.
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Consider cultural fit
Skills can be taught, but values and work styles are harder to change. Consider how well candidates align with your company culture. Do they share your values? Will they work well with your existing team? A good cultural fit can lead to higher job satisfaction and better performance.
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Offer competitive compensation
To attract and hire the best staff in Nigeria’s competitive job market, you need to offer attractive compensation. This doesn’t always mean the highest salary – consider the whole package:
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance
- Training and development opportunities
- Work-life balance (flexible hours, work-from-home options)
- Career growth prospects
Make sure your offer is in line with or better than industry standards.
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Move quickly
When you find a great candidate, don’t delay. Top talent in Nigeria often receives multiple offers. If you want to hire the best staff, be prepared to move quickly through your hiring process and make an offer when you find the right person.
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Have a strong onboarding process
Your efforts to hire the best staff don’t end when they accept your offer. A good onboarding process helps new hires settle in quickly and start contributing. Plan their first few weeks carefully, introducing them to key team members, explaining important processes, and making them feel welcome.
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Leverage technology
Using the right technology can help you hire the best staff more efficiently. Consider using:
- Applicant tracking systems to manage applications
- Video interviewing tools for initial screenings
- Skills assessment platforms for testing candidates
These tools can help you manage the hiring process more effectively, especially if you’re dealing with a large number of applicants.
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Build a strong employer brand
To consistently hire the best staff, work on building a strong reputation as an employer. Share stories about your company culture on social media, participate in career fairs, and encourage your current employees to speak positively about their experiences. A strong employer brand attracts high-quality candidates even when you’re not actively recruiting.
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Consider internships and apprenticeships
Sometimes, the best way to hire the best staff is to train them yourself. Offering internships or apprenticeships allows you to identify promising talent early and shape their skills to fit your needs. It’s also a great way to give back to the community and build relationships with local educational institutions.
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Final Thoughts
Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to find the right people. It’s better to wait for the right fit than to rush and make a poor hiring decision. With patience and persistence, you can hire the best staff and create a team that drives your business forward.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 15th October 2024
chidiogo-akaelu
Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.
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