Throwing up a job posting on a website or job board simply won’t cut it if you’re looking for top talent for your business.

Ideal candidates come to companies through so much more – networking, social media, personal interaction.

Load up your talent acquisition software and get ready to start tracking ideal candidates after utilizing some of these tips for finding great talent.

Network – and Not just Online

So much is done over emails, texts, and the phone these days, that meeting up with folks in the real world is often overlooked.

Attend industry events that put you in front of potential candidates. These more informal ways of meeting take the pressure off, and can help facilitate better communication and a way of getting to know someone.

Consider creating a meet-up of your own to draw people in.

Tap Your Employees

Your employees can give an honest view of what it’s like to work for your company, making them the perfect endorsement for potential candidates.

Ask employees for testimonials that can be used on social media, in job postings, on your company’s careers page, or any other materials used to promote open positions.

You can also turn to your employees and ask them to spread the news about positions in their networks. Chances are they know others who work in the same industry and have a keen sense of who could be a good fit with the company.

Creating an employee referral program can help motivate employees to do outreach for you.

Get Social

Social media provides a platform with a wide and deep reach. Networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have pools of talent you can wade through when looking for candidates.

Viewing social profiles and posts gives a clearer picture of potential talent, and can help you zero in on strong candidates efficiently to save you time.

You can also establish informal relationships with folks who may be a good fit for your company down the line.

Become an Employer of Choice

Earning third-party, credible employer recognition and awards is an indication that your employees believe in your company. It also elevates your brand, which is helpful in attracting top talent.

Put Your Values at the Forefront

Potential candidates will be looking at things outside of pay and benefits. They want to know what is specific to your company that sets you apart from the rest.

Be sure you have a clear mission statement and core values that are easily accessible to candidates. What is your main goal? How is work/life balance handled? How do you promote your employees’ individual growth to benefit not just the company, but solely them?

Candidates who feel strongly aligned with your brand are more likely to apply, lending greater quality to your pool of potential talent.

Use Recruiters

Higher up or more nuanced positions may need the help of headhunters and recruiters.  These professionals have already done research and may have an existing pool of talent to choose from.  

Though you do pay a fee for these services, it can save you money – and time – in the long run.