Recruiting WITHOUT a Headhunter

Just as the economy is slowing down, there may be positions that still need filling. If you are employer, you know the pain of having a vacant position, especially if it is a key one - typically you are doing the work yourself or are having to overburden your staff to get the job done.

Here is my response, albeit changed a little, to a similar question on Linkedin:

Recruit through associations and industry organizations

First thing that comes to mind when an employer is looking to recruit is to advise that they go directly to the associations or industry organizations that these type of candidates are members of. Depending on who you are looking to recruit, there will be whole membership lists online if you look carefully. Also, sometimes they have meetings and you can attend, sometimes you can advertise - it is worth getting involved as much as possible with these professional organizations as you will no doubt pick up a ton of leads from working with them.

Ask for referrals

Do you know at least one person that works within the area you are looking to recruit from? If so, you can build upon that. You can this person for referrals within and outside the company - sometimes if you take the time to discuss the opportunity with them (preferably after hours), they will open up more and be willing to help you out especially in the event that they are not the right fit for the position. I find that people are looking to share their knowledge and if you give them the opportunity, they will talk - both about themselves and about others, their company and the industry as a whole. (And don't be put off if you are new to the particular area they specialize in - many people actually enjoy educating you about their career and specialty!) Then of course keep that relationship alive - how I like to do it is by calling them after a week or so and give them a few names of people I have found and who I think may be a fit - and I and ask their opinion. Not only will you learn about the individual you are talking to as well as the people you mention, but you may be on the way to getting business from them as a client (since you are so thorough and professional with them, why not give you some business?) Ph, and one more thing about getting referrals - when asked, some people respond with "I don't know anyone who is looking." If you hear this, don't just say OK - tell them "I understand...what I would like to know is who does this kind of work within your organization?" Most will say AH, I understand as people assume you are looking for someone who is actively looking for their next opportunity...

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