Top 10 Recruiting Techniques to Engage the Right Candidates

Engage the right candidates with these recruiting strategies

Recruiting high-quality candidates that match your company's needs is imperative to an organization's success.

Top employees increase business productivity, but they also stay with their company longer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall turnover rate in the United States is 57.3 %, however, that number drops to just 3% when looking at only high-performers.

But, how do you attract these top performers with the job market so volatile? Here are 10 of the top recruiting techniques to engage suitable candidates.

1. Develop a strong employer brand

Developing a strong employer brand is one of the essential elements of attracting talented employees to your business. A recent study shows that nearly 75% of candidates are more likely to apply for a company that actively manages its employee brand.

There are many ways to develop a strong employer brand. Still, some of the most effective methods include sharing employee testimonials, highlighting your company culture on social media, and creating an engaging careers page.

2. Use employee referrals

As the saying goes, you become who you surround yourself with. If you have a rock star employee who is passionate and dedicated to your company, the chances are that they know other people just like them.

Utilize your employees' social networks by asking them to refer qualified candidates for vacant roles. This is a great way to find high-quality candidates, but it also builds a sense of loyalty and appreciation amongst your current employees.

3. Attend industry events

Industry events are a great way to meet potential candidates and feel whether they would be a good fit for your company. It also allows you to network with other professionals in your industry, leading to referrals down the line. Attend trade shows, conventions, and conferences relevant to your business, and make sure to have some business cards on hand to exchange with people you meet.

Another reason this strategy works so well is the intent behind the individuals at the event. If employees are unhappy in their current roles, they may be more prone to networking and seeking out job openings.

4. Utilize social media

Nowadays, most people have a presence on social media. This provides an excellent opportunity for companies to reach out to potential candidates who already spend a lot of their time on these platforms. Utilize websites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to post job openings and company updates. You can also use social media to research potential candidates and get a better idea of their qualifications.

5. Keep an updated website

Your website will often give the first impression of your company to potential candidates. Ensure that your website is up-to-date, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Include clear information about your company culture, values, and mission statement. Your careers page should list current job openings and provide an easy way for candidates to apply.

6. Offer internships

Internships are a great way to engage potential candidates and get them excited about your company. They provide an opportunity for candidates to learn and gain experience, but they also allow you to assess their skills and see how they would fit into your company culture. Offering internships can help you build a pipeline of top talent for future job openings.

There are a few different ways to find internship programs, such as working with colleges and universities, posting on job boards, or using social media.

7. Use online recruiting websites

Websites such as Zip Recruiter and Indeed can be a great way to reach a large pool of candidates. These websites allow you to post job openings and search for candidates based on their location, skills, and experience. You can also use online recruiting websites to screen candidates and narrow your search.

Some employers are hesitant to use online recruiting websites because they worry about getting too many unqualified applicants. However, if you take the time to create a detailed job posting, you can weed out the applicants that aren't a good fit.

8. Include peers in the interview process

Including peers during the interview process can help to ensure that you are hiring the best candidate for the job. Peers can offer a different perspective on the candidates and provide insights you may not have considered. Additionally, involving peers in the interview process can help to build buy-in and excitement for the new hire.

When including peers in the interview process, give them clear guidelines on what you are looking for. You may also want to train them to conduct an effective interview.

9. Create recruitment videos

If you want your job postings to stand out, consider creating recruitment videos. You can use these videos to give candidates a behind-the-scenes look at your company and help them to understand your culture better. Recruitment videos can also be a great way to show your brand and get potential candidates excited about working for you.

When creating recruitment videos, make sure to keep them short, engaging, and informative. You may also want to post them on social media and your website to reach a wider audience.

10. Reach out to past employees

Reaching out to former employees can be a great way to find qualified candidates. Past employees already have a good understanding of your company culture and values, and they can provide insights into what it's like to work for you. Additionally, reaching out to past employees can help create a positive image of your company and make potential candidates more likely to apply.

When reaching out to past employees, make sure to reach out to those who left on good terms. You may also want to provide them with an incentive for any referred candidates, such as a referral bonus.

Attracting the top candidates for your business

When you’re ready to hire, use these recruiting techniques to engage suitable candidates. Using these methods, you can ensure that you are attracting the top talent for your business.