From fewer people entering the job market to the Great Resignation and increasing skill shortages, employers have been struggling to find and attract the talent they need for crucial positions. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), nearly 90% of company owners reported job openings with few if any qualified applicants.
One way many organizations are getting around these talent shortages is by targeting passive candidates: those who are currently employed and aren't actively looking for a new job. But how can talent acquisition teams attract top talent that isn't in the labor market?
Here are a few tips that can help you unlock passive candidates for your critical positions:
1. Search past applicants
Historical applications are often an underutilized resource for recruiters, especially when it comes to passive candidates. If your company rejected someone who might not have been ready at the time, they've likely grown in their career and developed valuable skills. Reaching out to past applicants can be a great way to find "new'' candidates who were already interested in your company.
2. Leverage employee referrals
An employee referral program is one of the most effective ways to recruit passive candidates. After all, who would better know when an employee at another company is ready to leave or start something new than a trusted friend or family member? In addition to being highly persuasive, having your employees vouch for the organization lays a foundation of trust between your company and the candidate.
3. Strengthen your employer brand
When you reach out to a passive candidate, one of the first things they'll do is search for your organization. If you don't have a strong company image, they could lose interest in seconds — or worse, be turned away by the brand entirely. Make sure you keep your recruitment page and social media platforms up to date with the latest opportunities and a clear view of your company culture.
4. Create connections
Speaking of social media, keep track of who interacts with your posts. If someone outside the company starts following your page, they're showing clear signs of interest that make recruiting efforts easier. Try interacting with them to show your company recognizes them and is personable. The same applies to networking events, where you can build contacts and establish trust with potential candidates.
5. Partner with an executive search firm
To find high-quality passive candidates for professional-level positions, many companies rely on executive search firms. While some of these companies focus on connecting you with active candidates, YES Partners specializes in uncovering the hidden talent you'd otherwise miss.
With our extensive network and proven methodologies, we can help you secure top passive candidates for C-suite and other high-level positions. Click here to see some of the roles we have already placed successfully.
Finding people is easy, but finding the RIGHT people is not. YES Partners helps companies FIND the right people for all company functions, across many industries.
