Executive Recruitment
Hunting the rare breed
the passive job seeker
At the moment many businesses have got job seekers banging on their doors, looking for employment opportunities – and it is easy to think that this is a good thing. Indeed many would be forgiven for enthusiastically saying “Isn’t it fantastic that people actually want to work for us” and perhaps that “Hey, because of this we don’t have to go out and find people for our vacant jobs anymore”
Well, this all seems very good, but just stop and think for a minute…
If somebody is so keen to work for you that might just be because they are having trouble finding work elsewhere. Don’t forget that those actively seeking a new job are potentially unhappy in their current job or not in a job at all.
The staff that we all want are the ones that are loyal, hard working, competent, good team players and who are popular in their current workplaces. But, when you really do some ‘recruitment soul searching’ you will often come down to the hard truth that these are the people that aren’t currently looking for a new job because their currently employer is already looking after them.
Welcome to the world of the passive job seeker…
These most prized creatures are often timid about their engagement with the employment market and certainly don’t eagerly leaf through the job ads and feverishly burn the midnight oil on internet work sites. But don’t despair just yet they will often look at an opportunity if it is presented to them, and here are the top methods of attracting their interest:
- Consider using a recruitment company (I have to say that!). Recruitment companies can often get to high quality candidates that aren’t actively looking for another job – this is exactly what the world of headhunting is about!
- Set up a recommend a friend scheme internally. Your current best employees are a good source of new talent and remember: ‘birds of a feather…’
- Don’t ask for a full CV – at least to start with. The ones not looking for work won’t have one and might be put off by having to hastily get one together.
- Engage with the local schools and colleges. They are a hotbed of local talent and these people are often wondering how to find the best local company to work for whilst you are wondering how to find the best local employees.
Lastly, don’t forget that whilst you are looking to hire the best others will be doing the same, so remember to sell the reasons why someone would want to work for you – NOT just a list of role responsibilities straight for the job description. Don’t waste all your hard work in attracting the best to throw it all away when making the offer - we all like to be wooed!
For further information on the services of Sewell Moorhouse contact: nigel.brewster@sewellm.co.uk or call 01302 367444. www.sewellm .co.uk