Hiring a competitor’s employee might mean taking on someone who already understands your industry and business and can provide valuable new knowledge and even clients. So it’s no surprise that recruiters are frequently requested to carry that trophy home. But, even while it’s tempting, recruiting from the competition necessitates prudence and refinement, especially for a small-business owner. You don’t want to be labelled a poacher, launch a talent war with a competitor, or face a lawsuit for violating a non-compete agreement.hire

Ways to Poach talent from rival companies:

  • Consider a subtle approach.

Hiring a search service to locate people, if you can afford it, will assist to keep you away from the sometimes unpleasant business of poaching. An excellent search business has a refined, understated approach. They’ll chat to potential prospects in general terms about an opportunity until they can evaluate enthusiasm. If you can’t afford to engage a search firm, you should use a similar strategy. It is recommended that you utilise your professional network to spread the word that you are recruiting and approach the applicant you are interested in on neutral ground, such as at an event, meeting or conference. You don’t want to blow up your connections in the small company environment. You can go for it if you know there’s someone you want at another firm and you don’t have a relationship with them. However, whether it’s a tiny sector, market, or niche player, be extremely aware of the ramifications of your actions. Consider it as a smart business leader would.

  • Take a look before you jump.

Perhaps the most important consideration is if the applicant you’re considering is worth the effort. You don’t want to be saddled with someone else’s problem; instead, make sure you look for skill rather than a CV. Small businesses’ most common mistake is to glance at the overview and instantly assume, “Oh, that’s a wonderful resource,” based on what the individual claims he has done and what firm he has worked for. Even though the firm employs them, this does not imply a competitive applicant. To avoid this issue, conduct extensive reference checks and thoroughly research the candidate’s past to understand what motivates them. You must also determine whether the potential candidate is a suitable match for your company. Large-firm vs small-firm disparities, as well as location, are examples of cultural contrasts. It may be tough for the applicant you wish to hire to adjust if he or she is from another nation and has no links to your location. As a result, even if they don’t have the precise experience you’re seeking, it’s generally a wise decision to consider seriously local folks who come to you with their resumes, ready to join your organisation.

  • Watch out for legal issues.

Suppose the candidate you’ve been admiring at a rival turns out to be as good as you anticipated, and you want to start talking to them more seriously about joining your business. In that case, you’ll need to find out if they have a non-compete agreement with their present job. If they do, and they leave their current business to join yours, you might be in for many problems, even a lawsuit in some situations, depending on the state in which you’re headquartered. Non-compete clauses are taken seriously in several states. Again, an employment attorney can help you determine the best course of action. Remember that speaking with a candidate who is subject to a non-compete agreement is a question of balancing the pros and cons.

  • Sell your tale.

If the prospect from a competitor firm still appears as fantastic as you anticipated after all of the reference checks, soul-searching, and risk-reward analysis, don’t forget to sell them on what you and your organisation have to offer. Why should they quit their job to join you, after all? First, you must make your offer sound more appealing than what they presently have. Remember, it’s not all about the cash. Most individuals are driven by perks they didn’t get at their former job: recognition, opportunity, and more innovation and excitement. So, not just with a lucrative offer, but with everything they will be able to do and achieve at your organisation, motivate that individual to quit their position.

  • Keep an eye on what’s happening behind you.

Finally, keep in mind that your competitors may be playing the same game. When you’re reviewing your team and looking for holes, remember to treat your finest employees properly so that when they get a call from a recruiter or are approached by a competitor CEO, the only response they’ll feel obligated to offer is a strong ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ Know who your stars are and make certain they are adequately cared for and compensated.