These days, hiring managers must scour social media sites and do Google searches to find those with the right skills and backgrounds. But the best candidates are particular about who they work for. They are looking for the best overall experience. Read on to learn a few important ways to attract top talent to your company.

1. Make It Clear Employees are Valued

The best company to work for is one where employees are valued. Smart companies understand that to get the best from employees, they have to provide more than a steady paycheck. Top candidates expect great benefits and opportunities for learning and career advancement, as well as perks like physical fitness programs, and performance incentives. They especially want to be heard by management, not dismissed.

2. Acknowledge and Maximize Your Top Employees

When you start having trouble filling key positions, try that talent you worked hard to recruit. If they weren't smart, experienced, and capable, you wouldn't have hired them, so don't be afraid to give them more responsibilities. Giving them a challenge or including them in brainstorming sessions will make them more feel more engaged, confident, and valued.

3. Influence the Hiring Process

You may not have the time to check out every candidate as your company grows, but when filling important company roles, you should have some impact on deciding who best fits the culture in your own company. You should go beyond testing skills and intelligence to ask questions that gauge emotional responses and attitudes. Even the brightest candidate is the wrong choice if they'll disrupt the team and create conflict.

4. Look for Flexible Skills

When hiring, think about your company's future. Top candidates with a broad skillset and leadership ability could be a valuable addition in several roles. A prospective employee who comes fresh from an MPA degree program, for instance, generally is someone who can solve organizational and branding problems through sympathetic and creative solutions. It's a useful qualification in project managers, analysts, administrators, and the key positions that could make an impact across the company.

Just offering a competitive salary and benefits will not attract the top talent. You have to go beyond that. You have to develop a company culture where employees are clearly appreciated and rewarded. Set a goal on achieving a reputation as an excellent place to work. When you've managed that, the top talent will be much easier to find and retain.