When your company is struggling to find the right candidates how can you stop the insanity of reviewing hundreds of unqualified resumes? Have you ever considered hiring a passive job seeker for your opening? A passive job seeker is someone currently employed and not actively seeking a new opportunity. But how do you find these candidates and, more importantly, convince them to accept your job and work for your company? Here are some ways to find, hire, and retain a passive candidate.
Sourcing Passive Candidates
These candidates, by definition, are not applying to your open positions. They are probably not even looking, or if they are it is very casually. Most of the time they work for your competitors. So how do you actually go about finding them? The first step is to review LinkedIn for people who match your job description. You may also find industry experts through their blogs. A simple Google search for a blog writer on the experience you’re looking for may give you a variety of potential candidates.
Making the Right Offer
Since a passive candidate is currently employed, their acceptance is largely predicated upon the amount of money you are able to offer. They will not likely leave their current position unless they feel that they have an opportunity they cannot refuse. Don’t just look at salary. What other benefits can you offer? Is there a work-from-home opportunity? More flexibility with the schedule? Better commute and work environment? Perks won’t entice passive jobseekers to make the switch, but a great company culture goes a long way.
Focus on Retention
A passive candidate is generally loyal, which is why you were interested in hiring them in the first place. But now that they’ve accepted an offer and left their previous company, doubt can begin to set in. What if they receive another more attractive offer? Will they leave your company as well? To mitigate this potential, it is important to have solid retention programs in place to demonstrate your appreciation for employees in the workplace.
Work with a Staffing Service
One of the most overlooked options when it comes to hiring a passive candidate is how a recruiter can help you with the process. Some people will use the term “headhunter” to describe a recruiter who will contact working candidates and convince them to take another opportunity. That isn’t the entire truth. Recruiters have connections and networks in place. They can help you not only find the passive candidate but assist with salary negotiations and retention programs.
We have developed close relationships with hundreds of companies within a variety of industries – from startups to some of the country’s largest organizations. To put it simply – we have the industry experience and contacts necessary to help you succeed. Contact CornerStone Staffing Agencies today to find out how we can help!
