If you’ve been paying attention to the hiring market lately, you’ve probably noticed a contradiction. Many employers say they’re flooded with applications, yet they’re still struggling to find the right people. 

In today’s competitive job market, it’s easy to mistake a large stack of resumes for a strong talent pipeline. The reality is that quantity doesn’t equal quality, and waiting until you have an urgent opening often leads to rushed hiring decisions. 

When an employee makes an unexpected exit or simply isn’t the right fit, you’re suddenly juggling their responsibilities while trying to fill a critical role. Under that kind of pressure, it’s tempting to hire the first qualified candidate who comes along instead of the best candidate for your business.

The strongest teams aren’t built through emergency hiring. They’re built by business owners who are constantly cultivating relationships, identifying talent, and keeping an eye out for people who would be a great fit—even when there isn’t an open position to fill. 

That’s why I’m a strong believer in proactive, year-round recruiting.

What does proactive recruiting mean? 

To ensure you have the best employees, you need to look out for top talent before the need arises. It’s important to always have a few resumes on file or hot leads to follow. That way, when a position opens up or your business grows, you are able to fill the opening with a skilled candidate.

Seek out personal recruits.

To find the best recruits, you need to search for them personally. When I ran my brick and mortar business, I had a recruiting and training manager, but even so, I was always on the lookout for potential rock star salespeople and other support staff. My top salespeople were personal recruits.

You built your business, so you know best what characteristics it takes to blend well with your team and clients, produce, and thrive. You’re also the person who best understands your unique business culture. That makes you most qualified to identify potential recruits.

At Celeste Giordano Coaching, my business culture is “frank, fair, firm, fun.” I exclusively hire people who fit comfortably into this culture. It’s critical that you hire candidates who fit into your culture from the get-go.

Where do I search?

While you can get lucky placing a traditional job ad, today’s savvy employers are expanding their horizons in the hunt for top talent. To find the best recruits, consider these effective recruiting methods.

◈ Social Media: Many employers are turning to social media to find candidates with the right experience and relevant skill-sets. You can search LinkedIn profiles of potential recruits in your area, or connect with potential candidates where they have an active presence, like Facebook. You can also post your ad on LinkedIn, where individuals seeking employment opportunities or career changes are actively searching each and every day.

◈ Networking Events: I frequently talk about the value of networking. Often the best clients, strategic partners, and team members come from relationship-building at social and business networking events. Remember, everyone you meet may be a potential new addition to your team or might know a great candidate for the position you’re looking to fill. Even if you aren’t actively hiring, attend each event with an open mind, and build relationships with the quality people you meet. They may be able to connect you with a great prospect down the road.

◈ Referral Sources: If you’re looking for a new salesperson or employee, remember to turn to your trusted friends and business associates for referrals. When a candidate comes highly recommended by someone you trust, take that recommendation seriously.

I have recommended many of the experts on my team, like my marketing manager and writer, to my clients who stand to benefit from their services. People you trust won’t recommend someone sub-par; after all, they care about you, and their reputation is on the line. Always remember: When a referral comes your way, pay attention.

◈ Here, There, Everywhere: The top talent scouts always have their eyes open for their next best recruit. When I ran my direct sales business, I recruited 365 days a year. I was constantly looking for my next best sales associates. I always asked skilled sales clerks if they were making the kind of money they wanted to support themselves and their families. When they said no, I would give them a business card, follow up, and invite them to come in for an interview.

If you’re looking for a strong salesperson, take notice when you receive excellent service from charismatic, attentive associates and employees at different local businesses you come into contact with. Connect with them on LinkedIn or via email, and keep in mind they may be looking for a new opportunity, a career change or additional work.

Compensation: Think Outside the Box 

Last but not least, remember to be creative with your compensation structure. While some positions require a fixed or hourly salary, many people are able to work on a commission structure. In fact, often the most talented sales associates thrive on this structure. If you aren’t in a position to hire a salaried employee, consider recruiting a candidate who is motivated by commission-based work, or offering a reduced hourly wage with the incentive of great bonuses for producing.

To sum up the lesson of the day: Always be on the lookout for new recruits. They are the lifeblood of any successful business.

Not sure how to add recruitment into your current role? I work with my Celeste Giordano Coaching clients on how simple changes can open up many professional opportunities. Contact me today to finish your year strong!

When you develop the attitude that you haven’t recruited your best employee or salesperson yet, you’ll be amazed at the talent that’s out there just waiting to be scouted.

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business professionals develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus™” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with more than 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams. To learn more about Celeste, click here. Want to use this article? Please feel free to use this content as long as you keep it in its original format and include a link to the original post and Celeste Giordano’s brief bio.