Five Ways to Hire Passive Candidates who Aren't Looking for a New Job

Gerard Kerr

You have a position to fill, but the best talent is not actively searching for a role. This is a significant challenge for employers, especially when it comes to recruiting for hard-to-fill positions. So how can you attract the best candidates if they are not in job-seeking mode?

 

This article shares five ways to recruit top talent- even if they are not job-seeking.

 

1. Become More Social

 

Social media is the ideal forum for posting unique content that promotes your employer brand and resonates with prospective recruits. There are often people in your social network that think highly of you and your organisation.

 

Announcing that you are recruiting on your social media feeds makes people aware of the available opportunities. This is important because they don't have time to visit your careers page. But don't stop there. Take a moment to send direct messages to people you think highly of. Ask them if they are looking for their next career move or know of anyone who is.


2. Encourage Your Employees to be Company Advocates

 

The most authentic insights into company culture come from your current employees, so give them the resources they need to become your company advocates.

 

Ask your employees to think about the top performers that they know. These may be people they have worked with in the past, people they have networked with, or competitors they respect. Get your employees to reach out and connect with that person. Ask them to be direct.

"Hey, I think highly of you. We have several opportunities available right now, and I wanted to reach out and see what is happening for you on the career front. You are someone I respect, and we have an incredible team here. I wondered if you are open to speaking with my boss about a career move".

3. Stay Connected With Past Employees


Past employees can be the perfect candidates for your next role. Don't lose touch with great people just because they no longer work for you. After they resign, your past employees continue to grow and will often return to work with you a few years down the track if you maintain a good relationship.


4. Keep in Contact With Your Silver Medalists

 

In most hiring processes, there are at least three candidates but only one winner. Stay in touch with the silver-medalists who were a close fit for your role but slightly lacking experience because it's highly likely that they'll continue to build their knowledge and that you'll need to hire in future. Silver-medalist candidates are often forgotten. Don't waste this valuable talent pool.

 

Show an interest in their skills development and career goals and keep them informed about what's happening in your organisation; this way, you'll have an excellent chance of attracting them when the next role becomes available.


5. Ask for Help


All too often, there is a highly talented candidate out there, but they don't know about your job. So, ask for help in putting the word out to the market. Ask people you trust to think about the top talent they know and if they would refer their details to you. You'll be surprised at how willing people help.


And finally, if you don't have the time, reach or expertise to run a recruitment campaign that engages active and passive talent - let us do it for you. If hiring top talent is part of your talent strategy, let's get started right away. Arrange a time to speak with us or tell us a little bit more about the role you want to hire.

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