Part two of three in a series about recruiting
There are many ways to let people in the wider world know you have a job on offer.
Here are just a few:
Advertising in Newspapers, Magazines or Trade Publications
This is still a very popular and cost effective way of recruiting staff especially if you are looking for specific experience, trade or location. And, to get the right applicants it’s important you write a well constructed advert including all the relevant information. This is covered in depth in our Employing and Motivating Staff course.
If you choose this route make sure you know the answers to the following:
- When will the advert appear?
- Will the advert be syndicated across all sister titles and can this be done for free?
- Are there any repeat for free options should your first insertion not give you the response you were expecting?
- Will it also appear on the publication’s website as well or is there an extra cost for this?
Commercial Radio
This is quite an expensive option but may be effective if you are looking to recruit a lot of staff at once.
Internet Job Sites
Cost effective especially if you are looking to recruit from abroad or you want to attract migrant workers.
There are also sites where job hunters can upload their CVs and some even support video CVs!
Recruitment Agencies and Head Hunters
These can be very effective if you are looking for specific qualities in a person. But the costs can be very high. Establish what the fees include (advertising, initial screening and interviewing) before going down this route.
Jobcentre Plus (UK)
This offers a similar service to private recruitment agencies but at no cost to you. For more information visit the Jobcentre Plus website.
Notices and Posters
It may be appropriate simply to advertise a job vacancy outside or in the window of your premises. And even better – there’s no cost to you!
And don’t forget to use local shop windows or notice boards though you may have to pay a small fee.
Telling People
Don’t forget to let your staff, family, friends and business contacts know you are recruiting. Someone may already know your perfect candidate.
Contact your Local College or Youth Training Centre
This may be a suitable option for you if you are looking for younger staff you can develop as your business grows.
Don’t be Afraid to Think Differently
Thinking outside the box could give you some very good and loyal employees.
A recent example of different thinking is Morrisons (a UK supermarket chain). It is running an initiative, in partnership with the Salvation Army and social enterprise Create, to create 1000 jobs for homeless and vulnerable people over the next three years. Good luck to them all!
