This article is brought to you by Sprockets. 
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The U.S. is dealing with a massive labor shortage, affecting businesses in multiple industries, and the convenience retail industry has not been spared. When applications are sparse, how can c-stores choose the right candidate for their business? Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the answer.
“C-store operators already have limited time, and all the work it takes to hire the right employee can be daunting,” said AJ Richichi, CEO of Sprockets, a provider of AI-powered hiring software. “AI can help take some of the hiring load off an operator—from completing trivial tasks, such as posting job ads to multiple sites, to helping with time-consuming tasks like checking applications and contacting candidates.”
Sprockets’ platform features various tools to aid in the hiring process, such as an Applicant Matching System that creates a profile based on current top-performing employees and allows operators to evaluate applicants against this benchmark. The platform also offers a dedicated virtual recruiter to augment sourcing efforts and alert users when an ideal match is found.
While AI helps carry much of the weight of the hiring process, there’s still some thoughtful legwork that goes into finding that perfect candidate. In Sprockets’ e-book, “The Essential Guide to Attracting Hourly Workers,” the company recommends these three components of a successful hiring process.
Craft job postings that set your business apart. People want to know certain aspects of jobs upfront, such as income, culture and growth opportunities, so be sure to include this information in the post. You will not only get more applicants, but you will also get candidates who are more qualified and enthusiastic about working for you.
Post on the right job boards at the right time. Spread the word about your open position by posting to multiple job sites (which Sprockets’ platform can do for you), including Snagajob—an important job board for the hourly workforce. Think about when you’re posting, too. Most job seekers are actively searching Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact the best applicants ASAP. With many companies needing workers, the labor landscape is competitive, and your perfect applicant may be close to accepting a job elsewhere.
Download Sprockets’ e-book:
This is the first installment of a two-part NACS Daily series on hiring and retaining employees in a tight labor market. Click here for more information from Sprockets on how to attract applicants.