Results Are In: How Do You Find Talent to Fill Highly Skilled Positions?

RL08-14-15In July, we asked our readers how they find talent to fill highly skilled positions, and the results revealed that employers don’t have one overwhelming way of finding top performers.

According to the results:

  • 22% said they use employee referrals
  • 20% outsource to an HR services or staffing firm
  • 20% network through professional organizations and events
  • 15% search for candidates on job boards
  • 15% use social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook to find talent

Another 7% chose the “other” option and submitted their own answers, including:

  • Train within/hire within
  • We connect with school counselors
  • Seek, search, and always talk to everyone

Job growth on the rise

According to recent reports from the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics and Statistics Canada, employment has been booming in North America. With so many positions being filled, it’s interesting the amount of sources that businesses are successfully finding candidates through. As a business leader, it’s important to find which source is right for you.

Finding top talent

From what we discovered with our poll results, the five main outlets are almost equal when it comes to successful hiring. But not all may be equal when it comes to your market and industry. When determining how to go after talent—although it may seem beneficial to spread your search through all channels—it’s best to do two or three things very well. For example, if you’re looking for an administrative assistant, and you have a strong social network base, advertise the opening and interact with your followers to continue building your brand while looking for a candidate. If your company has a strong company culture, consider asking current employees for referrals, as well as networking through professional organizations.

Regardless of your industry, most of us are often too busy to actively recruit. This is where HR services and staffing firms like Express Employment Professionals can be a great resource. Staffing companies do all the leg work for you, so you can get back to what you do best—runing your company.

How do you find top talent? What advice would you give to companies scouting employees? Let us know in the comments section below!

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