Finding the right job candidates can be tough. ManpowerGroup stated, “More employers than ever are struggling to fill open jobs — 45% globally say they can’t find the skills they need, up from 40% in 2017 and the highest in over a decade.” Employers who find themselves in this position can easily become discouraged at the lack of job candidates, but with a few tips companies can start sourcing promising job seekers.
3 Ways to Source the Job Candidates Your Company Needs When Options Are Limited
Ready to start filling vacant positions in spite of your lack of job candidates? These tips can help:
1. Work with a recruiter — One of the most effective ways to source quality job candidates when your options are limited is by reaching out to a recruiter or recruitment firm. While some online sources can be misleading about the ease of finding job candidates, a recruiter will be straightforward with you. They are well aware of how hard it can be to find the employees you want and can help put you in contact with the right candidates while not making unrealistic promises. If you are having trouble sourcing candidates, working with a recruiter should be your first step to mitigating the problem.
2. Get more employee referrals — If you aren’t getting candidate referrals from your employees, you may be missing out on a great opportunity to fill vacant positions. “Research shows getting a referral is a cheaper way to hire, a faster way to hire, generally produces a better hire and lowers the turnover rate at your company,” wrote a contributor to LinkedIn. In Here is Why Employee Referrals are the Best Way to Hire, the contributor quoted Meritage Talent Solutions Founder Kara Yarnot: “(A great referral program) allows you to turn your entire workforce into recruiters.”
To help employees connect you with the best candidates, be sure to let them know exactly what you are looking for. Also, considering incentivizing employee referrals for optimal results.
3. Re-engage declined candidates — Did you know that less than half of all companies re-engage candidates they’ve declined in the past? This is confounding since “99 percent of companies believe re-engaging candidates will help them build their talent community and protect their employer brand,” per Lever. The source suggested companies start every candidate search by reconsidering declined candidates for current job openings. Keep in mind that only candidates who had a good experience with your company are likely to respond. This is all the more reason to offer declined candidates an exceptional experience with your organization by giving them constructive feedback.
If you are having trouble finding the job candidates your company needs, try working with a recruiter, making it a point to get more employee referrals, and re-engaging some of the candidates you’ve declined in the past.
What are some ways you source job candidates when your options are limited?