Effective recruitment strategies to attract exceptional talent

Recruiting top talent is a crucial task for any organisation, and it requires a combination of creativity and diligence. Technology in today’s digital age has made it easier than ever to publish job postings to a broad audience. However, to attract and engage with high-quality candidates and generate excitement about your company and the role, you need to stand out from the crowd of other employers. 

Read more: Do you know great talent when you see one?

What is a recruitment strategy?

A recruitment strategy is a comprehensive plan of action designed to help you identify, attract, and hire the right candidates for your open positions. These strategies encompass a wide range of methods, from basic approaches like posting on job boards to more advanced techniques such as working with traditional recruiting agencies or implementing an employee referral program. You can apply recruitment strategies at every stage of the hiring process to maximise your chances of finding the ideal candidates.

Why do you need hiring strategies?

Recruiting and filling positions, especially for highly skilled roles that require specific qualifications, can be a challenging endeavor. Expanding your hiring strategies allows you to reach a more extensive pool of potential candidates who might be an excellent match for your open roles. Using multiple recruitment strategies offers several benefits, including:

• Increased number of applicants who meet your specific requirements

• Shortened hiring times, leading to quicker onboarding

• Enhanced company visibility and awareness in the job market

• Reduction in hiring costs by attracting candidates who fit your roles better

• Improved job role matches, which can result in better employee performance and retention rates

Here are the top 10 job posting strategies that can help you successfully recruit top talent.

1. Treat candidates like customers

Creating a positive and memorable first impression is vital during the recruitment process. Whether you are conducting phone screenings, video interviews, or in-person interviews, it's essential to treat candidates with respect and make them feel valued. Just as you strive to provide excellent customer service, do the same for your candidates. Consider the following practices:

• Be punctual and respect the candidate's time.

• Offer hospitality during on-site interviews.

• Make yourself available for candidates' questions and concerns throughout the hiring process.

2. Use social media

Leverage the power of social media as a valuable recruiting tool. Social recruiting allows you to share job postings with your entire network, facilitating two-way conversations. Beyond job listings, sharing photos and videos from company events and daily office life can provide potential applicants with insights into your company culture. Social media platforms can also help you tap into candidates who might not be actively job hunting but have connections in your industry.

3. Implement an employee referral program

Good employees often have strong networks of capable professionals. Encourage your employees to refer qualified candidates by establishing a well-defined employee referral program. Consider offering incentives, such as bonuses or contests, to motivate employees to actively participate in the program. This can create excitement around referring talent to your organisation.

4. Create compelling job descriptions

A well-crafted job description is a fundamental aspect of the recruitment process. To stand out and attract the right candidates, consider the following tips:

• Use specific job titles to accurately reflect the role.

• Start with an engaging summary to excite job seekers about the position and your company.

• Clearly outline the job's core responsibilities, required skills, and how it fits into the organisation.

• Highlight your company culture and values, as job seekers find this information essential.

5. Make use of sponsored jobs

In today's competitive job market, standing out is critical. Sponsored job listings can help ensure that your job postings remain highly visible to relevant candidates. These paid listings appear more frequently in search results, ensuring that your posting doesn't get buried over time. Sponsored jobs also offer features like Instant Match, which immediately connects you with candidates whose resumes align with your job criteria when you pay to post a job.

6. Check resumes posted online

Platforms like Indeed Resume host millions of resumes from job seekers across various industries and locations. Employers can quickly find potential candidates by entering specific criteria such as job titles, skills, and location. You can further refine your search by specifying the years of experience and education level. Setting up a Resume Alert lets you receive daily emails with links to new resumes matching your job requirements.

7. Consider past candidates

When you're hiring for a similar role, revisiting the resumes of past applicants can be a valuable strategy. These candidates are already familiar with your company and may have acquired new skills and experience since their previous applications. Reconnecting with them can save time and effort while potentially identifying the right candidate for your current opening.

8. Claim your company page

Job seekers often research prospective employers before applying for jobs. All companies with job listings on platforms like Indeed have a company page, which provides information about your organisation. Claiming and optimising your company page allows you to respond to reviews, customise your page, and showcase your employer brand.

9. Attend industry-related meetups

Networking is a powerful way to connect with motivated industry professionals. While job fairs can be helpful, consider attending non-recruiting-specific events that align with your industry. For instance, if you're looking to hire a software engineer, participate in local software development meetups or associations. Being active in industry-specific groups, both in person and online, can help you connect with potential employees who are passionate about their field.

10. Include peers in the interview process

Involving current employees in the interview process can be highly effective, especially when they work in a similar role. They possess valuable insights into the requirements and skills necessary for the job, making them excellent interviewers. Furthermore, they can provide candidates with a realistic view of day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, helping candidates make informed decisions.

Recruiting top talent requires persistence, creativity, and the ability to think outside the box. By implementing these job posting strategies, you can discover passionate professionals with the necessary skills who are eager to join your team. Effective recruitment is essential for building a talented workforce and driving your organisation's success.

Also read: How to find the 'perfect' worker...or not

Frequently asked questions about recruitment strategies

What is the full recruitment cycle?

The full recruitment cycle, also known as full life cycle recruiting, encompasses all the stages of the recruitment process. This includes sourcing and screening candidates, conducting interviews, making job offers, and onboarding new employees. In smaller companies, one person typically handles the entire recruitment cycle, while larger organisations may have dedicated HR teams to manage different aspects of the process.

What are the most important recruiting KPIs?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are metrics used to assess the success of recruitment strategies. Some of the essential recruiting KPIs include:

• The number of qualified candidates per job posting

• Time to hire (the duration from posting a job to making an offer)

• Offer acceptance rate

• Source of hire (e.g., job postings, social media)

• Cost per hire (total hiring costs divided by the number of hires)

• Turnover rate (the percentage of employees leaving the organisation)

• Tracking these KPIs helps organisations measure the effectiveness of their hiring strategies and make data-driven improvements.

How do you set a recruitment goal?

To set a recruitment goal, follow the SMART goal-setting framework:

• Specific: Define a clear and specific recruitment goal, such as hiring a specific number of employees for a particular role.

• Measurable: Establish measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress toward the goal, such as reducing the time to hire from 30+ days to 14 days.

• Achievable: Ensure that your goal is realistic and attainable, considering your available resources.

• Relevant: Align the recruitment goal with your broader business objectives and strategic priorities.

• Time-based: Set a deadline for achieving the goal, which creates a sense of urgency and accountability.

By following the SMART framework, you can create recruitment goals that are clear, measurable, and achievable.