Benefits of using creative recruiting methods
Many traditional recruiting methods are still effective. However, incorporating creative recruiting ideas into your hiring process can help you connect with candidates who aren’t already in your talent pipeline. These are some potential benefits of trying creative recruitment ideas:
- Greater reach: Many creative recruiting ideas can help you reach people who haven’t heard of your company or aren’t necessarily looking for a new job. Creativity often encourages others to share your recruitment posts, even if they aren’t interested in applying.
- Enhanced reputation as a creative company: Using unique recruitment methods can make your company more recognizable. If your industry relies on creativity, you can show candidates that your company is an innovative place to work.
- Setting yourself apart: When competition for candidates is high, creative recruiting can help distinguish your company from its competitors. This encourages more people to apply, and candidates may be more likely to accept an interview invitation or a job offer.
12 creative recruiting ideas
If you’re ready to incorporate creative recruiting ideas into your hiring process, consider implementing one or more of these ideas:
1. Showcase your culture
Your company culture sets you apart from all the other businesses in your industry. For example, you might want to emphasize fairness and innovation. Embedding your company culture into your social media, website, blog posts, and anything else you do makes it easier to connect with candidates whose values align with your company’s.
2. Create online content
Creating online content makes your company more recognizable. When someone searches for topics related to your industry, you have the opportunity to appear in the search results. People who haven’t heard of your company might click through to your site and decide to apply. This type of inbound recruiting attracts candidates to your company, potentially reducing the time you spend on community outreach.
When you publish content on your company website, you maintain full control over the branding and messaging. People who read your content are already on your website, so it’s easy for them to find your careers page. You might also want to consider guest posting on industry-related websites to reach a broader audience.
3. Make a video
A static career website provides valuable information, but it’s not always engaging. Videos are easier to consume and create a stronger connection than blocks of text. Candidates can view your workplace, read about your employees and develop an understanding of what it’s like to work for you. You can also share videos on social media, making this one of the most efficient recruitment ideas.
4. Target niche candidates
Making your company attractive to niche candidates can expand your talent pool and help you connect with candidates who might not be aware of the work you do. Examples include military veterans and working parents. You may want to create recruitment campaigns aimed at these or other groups.
For example, you might want to focus on competencies instead of years of experience in your job descriptions. This can help you attract veterans with transferable skills from their military service. You may also want to incorporate relevant terms into your job descriptions. These terms include “veteran support,” “military-friendly” and “veteran-friendly.”
5. Host online recruitment events
Online recruiting events allow interested candidates to learn more about your company in a low-pressure environment. Prospective applicants can join an event from their homes, increasing accessibility. Interactive options, such as Instagram Live, give candidates a chance to ask questions about open positions.
If you identify quality candidates, you can even schedule interviews with them before the event ends, which may help reduce your average time-to-fill.
6. Schedule in-person meetups
Another option is to schedule meetups with interested candidates at your office or a neutral location. For example, you might host a recruiting open house to give prospective employees a chance to ask questions and meet your current team members. Consider making hiring managers available to greet candidates or conduct informal interviews.
Hosting a general industry meetup can also help you meet potential employees. If you own an architecture firm, for example, you might host a meetup for local architects.
7. Highlight employee experiences
When prospective applicants see your employees engaged in meaningful work, it can make your company seem more appealing. They might also connect with one of your employees and decide to apply to work with them.
One easy way to showcase your employees is to create videos that highlight the employee experience. You might want to show employees working in their offices, take viewers on a tour of your office or give a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during company events. You can even ask employees to record testimonials about working for your company.
It’s also helpful to celebrate your employees on social media. When you recognize accomplishments, celebrate milestones and otherwise elevate your employees, people realize you care about your staff. This might encourage them to apply so they can share in your culture.
8. Gamify your recruitment process
Gamification incorporates elements of game play into the recruitment process, which may help you attract quality candidates. For example, you might want to add a virtual job simulation to your company website. Job simulations allow potential applicants to demonstrate their skills in a low-stakes environment. You can even add interactive assessments to help you validate an individual’s knowledge and skills.
9. Ask former employees
Employees who left your company on good terms can be a valuable source of referrals. For instance, you may have former employees who moved out of state or left their jobs to care for family members. These employees know what it takes to succeed in your organization, so they may be able to refer some of their contacts.
Former employees also understand your company’s culture and processes, so they can provide an accurate overview of what it’s like to work there. Another option is to ask former employees if they’re interested in returning to your organization.
10. Print recruitment cards
You likely have business cards for yourself and your employees, but not many companies have recruitment cards ready to distribute. You can give out these cards when you meet people who express interest in working for your company or display a skill that your company needs. For example, if you see a sales clerk provide excellent customer service while you’re shopping, you might want to give them one of your recruitment cards.
If you decide to print recruitment cards, consider adding your name, your company’s name and your company logo. Including multiple contact methods can make it easier for prospective candidates to reach you. It’s also helpful to give recruitment cards to hiring managers within your company.
11. Take advantage of social media trends
If you want to reach a wider audience, consider using social media trends. Sharing unique content via social media can help you strengthen your employer brand and increase engagement. You might want to post “day-in-the-life” content or have your employees dress up like popular TV characters, for example.
When following social media trends, be sure to post content that aligns with your company’s mission and values. This can help you demonstrate authenticity while increasing your reach.
12. Recruit freelancers or volunteers
If your workload isn’t high enough to support a full-time position, consider hiring freelancers. Outsourcing certain tasks to freelancers allows you to test out potential candidates. If you find a freelancer you like, encourage them to apply for a full-time position when one becomes available.
If you run a nonprofit organization that uses volunteers, you already have a pool of potential candidates. Volunteers already support your mission and understand what you do, which can make the transition to employment easier. Let your volunteers know about job vacancies that might be a good match for their skills.
Incorporating creative recruiting methods beyond traditional approaches can help you expand your talent pool, boost your employer brand and stand out in competitive markets.
