Recruiting Tips for Nonprofits, Startups and Small Businesses
In the recruiting world, there’s often a mad dash for headhunters to find top-tier talent in a timely manner for their clients, and that feat isn’t met without obstacles. The process usually involves lots of grueling hours sifting through resumés to find the best candidates for the job. Even more time is spent screening potential candidates, pitching them to the client, prepping them for interviews and serving as the liaison between client and candidate until the negotiations are completed. Furthermore, if your candidate is hot on the market, other companies may be competing to try to scoop them up as quickly as possible. So how can recruiters find the most efficient ways to find potential candidates and get them in front of a client quickly? Here are some tips that you can utilize to help make the process run smoothly.
Focus on the must-haves
Before diving into your search, determine the must-have requirements that the client is looking for and utilize those to narrow down top candidates more efficiently. Does the role require an MBA? Is the client looking for someone with a minimum of five years’ experience? What technical skills are non-negotiable? Once you figure out the criteria that are an absolute must, it makes it can make it easier to sift through potential candidates to find the right match.
Utilize a search query program
When searching for candidates, the majority of recruiters use internal search programs like an applicant tracking system (ATS). It’s also good to look beyond ATS and into online search query programs like Boolean to use in conjunction with online job board and career sites to sift through thousands of potential candidates. Searching for candidates online can often be a battle, but search query tools can make it easier. By using a string of keywords (i.e. your must-haves), you’ll be able to narrow down your list for a more accurate match without having to put in much guesswork.
Reach out to your extended network
Sometimes the best way to find a prime candidate is by reaching out to your extended network and even touching base with passive candidates. Some of the best candidates may be lying lowkey, or you just haven’t found them yet. Also, take advantage of networking events as an opportunity to reach potential talent. By reaching out to old colleagues, recent candidates and other people within your network to find referrals, you may be able to dig up a gem.
Take advantage of social media
Although LinkedIn is one of the top social media platforms that recruiters use to find candidates, reaching beyond the network can help you to find a gold mine. If you or your company aren’t currently using other social media platforms to engage with people, now’s the best time to do so. Start or join active conversations on Twitter. Use, create, and research hashtags that can make it easier to find or lure in talent. Create job posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to grab your audience’s attention.
Most importantly, stay active and current as much as possible on all platforms. Include a good mix of job posts and other content to show off your company’s culture and to humanize your brand. No one wants to feel as though their connecting with an autobot that’s just churning out job posts like a machine. No matter what, people connect to what feels real to them, so don’t forget to showcase that side of you or your company.