Life in small towns differs from life in big cities in a lot of ways, including how people look for jobs. Business owners operating out of small towns need to know what kind of people they’re likely to attract through employment ads and what kind of jobs these type of people are likely to seek. Though there’s generally less competition for jobs in small towns, business owners need to be more careful about finding applicants who are truly qualified and most likely to stay in the position for longer than their counterparts in bigger locales. Here are some sample job titles and why they’re well suited for small town businesses.
Software Technician
The world of manufacturing has undergone a lot of changes in the past decade, though a lot of people don’t seem to have noticed. The truth is that modern automation and computer-assisted analysis have altered the optimal workforce for most manufacturers. Simply put, manufacturers need more people with computer skills and fewer people for hands-on technical work like welding and construction.
For small town manufacturers, finding computer-leaning workers can be a challenge because of the difference between the reality and the classical image of the industry. Letting a job posting lead with a title that indicates computer use will attract tech-savvy applicants, as will a job description focusing on specific technological skills.
Marketing Manager
Today, in the marketing field, it’s certainly possible for a single employee to do what used to take an entire department. Of course, that individual has to be highly experienced and multi-talented. In larger companies that can pull from a wider pool of candidates, departments made up of specialists in creative, digital, and traditional marketing strategies are still the way to go.
But small companies in smaller regions can rely on a marketing professional with a more diverse toolkit. This older, more experienced professional may find small town life appealing, especially if he or she has a family. Listing the position as a management role will dissuade inexperienced applicants and attract seasoned professionals.
Network Administration Associate
Taking the opposite approach from the marketing manager, small town businesses in need of a computer network administrator should aim for younger, less experienced candidates for a number of reasons. Network admins typically start in technical support and other low-level computer positions, then rise rapidly through a company or outward to other companies on the leverage of their experience.
Since a small company isn’t likely to have a complicated computer network, it’ll be attractive to less experienced admins who will accept lower salaries. The “associate” in the job title indicates a more entry-level position. This means the role will likely have turnover to consider, but that also means that local high schools and colleges would be great resources for future candidates.
Accounts Organizer
For small businesses in small markets, it’s useful to know where multiple positions can be combined into a single role. Every business needs a book-keeper and every CEO should have an assistant. With a competent professional in the position, these two jobs can be made into one.
Job posts seeking this book-keeper/assistant, also known as an accounts organizer, should emphasize math skills, attention to detail, and flexibility. These qualities communicate the experience necessary to succeed in the role while also indicating that the job will require the candidate to wear many hats.
Permits and Policy Expert
For any company related to construction, from developers to contractors, a lot of time, money, and energy goes into having all the necessary paperwork in order. It’s valuable to have someone on staff whose job is to file all necessary permits, legal forms, and policy documents with the proper authorities.
This frees up the CEO and other managers who already have to juggle so many tasks. Since this is a role that involves handling sensitive materials, employers should look for candidates with at least a few years of related experience and no fewer than two references.
Small town businesses need to know how to reach out to the right job candidates. This means connecting with people who have the right level of experience and the right frame of mind for the position.
Teddy Hunt is a freelance content writer with a focus on technology. When not behind a computer, Teddy spends the majority of his free time outdoors and resides in Tampa, Florida. Follow Teddy on Twitter: @tedhunt9.
Image courtesy TenSafeFrogs
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