You run a bakery, a small plumbing company, a dry cleaner on Main Street, or anything else that might fit into the description of a “family business.”
Whatever the case, you’re not exactly Amazon or Google with billion-dollar budgets for hiring. You don’t have recruiters wearing expensive shoes or high-tech software that magically scans 10,000 resumes per second.
Instead, you’re probably juggling a million tasks at once, barely keeping up with orders, and now — oh joy — you need to hire someone. But hiring isn’t free. Job boards want you to pay to post listings, recruiters demand commissions, and platforms like LinkedIn make you feel like a pauper for using their “basic” (aka useless) tools.
So, what do you do when you need extra hands but don’t have extra dollars?
Well, good news: finding employees without paying is more than possible. In fact, it can be a surprisingly creative and rewarding experience.
Let’s talk about how.
Step 1: Tap Into the Magic of Word-of-Mouth
You might think word-of-mouth is just something your parents used to rely on when they needed to find a good dentist. Nope. In fact, word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful tools for hiring to this day. And best of all? It’s free.
When you spread the word that you’re looking for help, it doesn’t stop with you. Your friends tell their friends. Your cousin tells her coworker. Someone’s uncle at a barbeque overhears it. It’s like gossip but productive. Family businesses have one major advantage here: you’re already plugged into a community. Use it.
How to do it right:
- Tell everyone. Your customers. Your suppliers. The guy fixing your window. The more you tell, the faster the word spreads.
- Be specific. Don’t just say, “I’m looking for help.” Say, “I’m looking for someone to help us bake cupcakes in the mornings and serve coffee with a smile.”
- Offer a little referral incentive, like a gift card, for anyone who connects you with the right hire. It’s still cheaper than posting on a paid job site.
Step 2: Post Jobs for Free Online
Here’s a secret that big companies don’t want you to know: not every job posting needs to cost money. In fact, there are a lot of free job boards out there where you can list positions and get good candidates. You just need to know where to look.
So where to post jobs for free online? Sites like OysterLink (which makes posting incredibly simple) can help you find employees quickly without pulling out your wallet. Plus, these platforms often attract job seekers who are interested in local hospitality and restaurant roles — perfect for family-run operations.
A quick checklist for posting a job for free:
- Write a clear, enticing job title.
- Describe what the role actually involves. Be real and down-to-earth. If you’re a bakery that needs someone who can laugh at 4 AM while making dough, say so.
- Highlight the benefits of working for you — like a tight-knit team, flexibility, or lots of free pastries.
- Share it widely once posted. Free doesn’t mean people will magically find it without a little effort on your end.
Step 3: Leverage Social Media Without Getting Weird
Family businesses often have an edge on social media because they’re real people. You don’t have to sound like a robotic HR department writing buzzwords like “synergize” and “passion-driven outcomes.”
You just need to post something that feels human.
Local Facebook groups are gold for finding employees. Post a simple message like, “Hi friends! Our little bakery is looking for part-time help. Morning shifts, lots of coffee, and free croissants! DM me if interested.”
Or, if your business has an Instagram account, post a story or reel. Show the behind-the-scenes fun and make it clear you’re hiring. Just remember, social media loves visuals. A quick photo of your team smiling in action can make all the difference.
Step 4: Build Your Own Farm System (Aka Hire From Within)
Here’s a wild idea: the perfect hire might already be in front of you.
Does one of your part-time employees have potential? Do you have a customer who always says they’d love to work for you? Family businesses are great at seeing people’s real strengths, not just their resumes.
Plus, hiring from within or among loyal customers creates a win-win. You get someone who already knows your business, and they get a chance to grow into a new role.
Step 5: Internships, Students, and Volunteer Work
Students want experience. They want to learn. And often, they’re willing to work for a small stipend, internship credits, or just the opportunity to get their hands dirty in the real world. So, partnering with local schools or colleges can be a game changer.
Not only are schools full of talented people looking for opportunities, but students often bring fresh ideas, new skills, and enthusiasm to the table that you might not find elsewhere. On top of all that, you can take advantage of internships to see if somebody is a good long-term fit before hiring them permanently.
Reach out to guidance counselors, career centers, or even local teachers. They’ll know the students who are looking for hands-on experience.
Big Picture
Finding employees without paying doesn’t always mean cutting corners or sacrificing quality. Family businesses have a superpower: they’re personal, connected, and community-driven. So, use your network. Use the tools that are already out there. And most importantly, show people why working for your family business isn’t just another job.
