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5 Creative Ways to Improve Your Recruiting Strategy

By: SmallBizClub

 

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In the current economic climate, the competition for jobs is extremely fierce. For recruiters, this can entail much more time spent on sifting through applications and resumes that don’t quite fit the position in question. Refining your recruiting strategy is becoming increasingly important to find the perfect fit for your job opening. These are five ways in which you can creatively get in touch with the right candidates for your open position.

 
Employ a Bit of “Self-Selection”
 
You can mix things up by adding a third, “self-selection” element to your hiring strategy. After accepting a substantial number of resumes, host an open group event as part of the selection process. Out of all of the original applicants who were invited, you’ll find that a small percentage of them actually show up. This will show you who is dedicated to landing this job and who isn’t.
 
 
Utilize Group Interaction
 
You can narrow your list down even further by gathering your candidates in a group setting and interacting with them. You’ll get an overhead glimpse at each candidate’s working knowledge, level of interest in the field and job position, character, and communication skills. Be sure to bring along a few of your current employees to find out how well your potential hires mesh with the corporate culture.
 
Find Talent in Unconventional Ways
 
Rather than posting a simple position opening on Indeed or Monster, you should go out and search for talent yourself. Check out local restaurants and businesses for people who are motivated, driven, and experienced in your field. The chances are high that you’ll come away with multiple potential hires that you already know are a good fit for your company.
 
Ditch Job Fairs
 
While job fairs have some level of utility, they often turn out being useless endeavors. Search in places that deviate from the chaotic, high-stress job fair mentality. For example, if you’re looking for an IT professional and there’s a seminar happening soon in your area for these individuals, attend it and approach some of the guests. A corporate legal consultant says lectures on current events can be excellent venues for finding candidates with legal education—something many job fairs often lack. Visit events and gathering places where your ideal candidate would congregate with their peers—you might be surprised by what you come away with.
 
Advertise in Your Ideal Candidate’s Favorite Places
 
You probably have an idea in your head about the type of person you want to hire for the position. Rather than searching for this person in every individual that submits an application, advertise in places that you know this person would go. For example, if you need a graphic designer, consider advertising the open position in online forums for local designers. These areas are perfect for snagging great potential hires.
 
Author: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on small business and education. Information used in this article was provided by Rachel Hurlburt, a corporate lawyer with a Master in Law degree, who advises law students and corporations alike on finding good employment matches.
Published: March 18, 2015
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