5 Quick Tips for Recruiting Great Candidates in 2017

The good news: The unemployment rate is below 5%, at 4.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In January, job gains – 227,000 of them – were achieved across many different industries, from construction to retail. The bad news, though, is that recruiting and hiring has gotten tougher, as a result. It’s no longer an employer’s market.

But by following a few simple, yet essential steps, you can find skilled and hard-working employees for your open positions. Here’s a look at how:

Identify your needs.

As one of South Florida’s leading staffing services firms, Future Force knows that before you plunge into a candidate search, think through what you’re seeking. Don’t just use old job descriptions and posts from a year ago. Determine what it is you really require in the role. Some areas to consider include: specific skills and experience, behavior and personality traits, and credentials and achievements.

Post a great job ad.

Once you’ve identified your needs, spend some time creating an effective job ad. Don’t simply focus on what your needs are for the person you hire. Think too about what would attract a candidate to want to work at your company. Also, use plain language, not company or industry jargon. Keep in mind, people aren’t just looking for jobs; they’re looking for opportunities and employers. So it’s important to communicate why they should want to work for you.

Advertise in multiple places.

Don’t simply post your job opening on a single job board and hope for great results. Post in multiple places, from LinkedIn to Indeed to Craigslist to your own website. Also, if you participate in and network in industry groups, advertise on their websites and in their publications. Depending on the type of candidate you’re looking for, also consider college career websites. And don’t forget to advertise it on any social media profile pages you have.

Tap employees for referrals and to promote the job.

Often, your best brand advocates are those who work for you. So tap your employees for any referrals they may have and also ask them to spread the word about the job opening. Before you do, make sure you have the position posted on your site with an easy application process in place. That way, you’re up and running when your employees refer friends and family to apply.

Use a staffing services firm.

If you’re having a hard time finding good candidates, consider partnering with a staffing services firm. The best firms already have a strong candidate network in place and will be able to send the best fit ones your way, saving you time and money in the process.

Interested in learning more? Call Future Force. As one of South Florida’s leading staffing services firms, we can handle the sourcing, interviewing, testing, and evaluating – all so you can make great hiring decisions in 2017. Contact Future Force today to learn more.