1. Start with free job postings

One effective way to reach potential candidates is by posting your jobs on free job boards. Indeed offers both free and Sponsored Job posting* options.

Free job postings on Indeed can help you:

• Reach a wide talent pool.
• Receive applications directly to your inbox or applicant tracking system.
• Build your employer brand through your company profile and job descriptions.

To get started, visit Indeed’s job posting page.

*Terms, conditions, quality standards and usage limits apply.

2. Optimize your job descriptions

Job descriptions often provide candidates with their first impression of your company and the role. By crafting clear, accurate and inclusive job descriptions, you can increase your chances of attracting quality applicants at no extra cost.

Here are some best practices for writing a job description:

• Use job titles that match what candidates are likely to search for.
• Clearly state the job duties and must-have and nice-to-have qualifications.
• Include compensation details whenever possible.
• Avoid jargon and biased language that could exclude potential candidates.

By ensuring your job descriptions are easy to understand and informative, you may encourage more people to apply without paying for extra visibility.

3. Leverage your company website and social media

Posting open roles on your company website can help attract candidates who are already interested in your business. If you don’t have one, consider adding a “Careers” or “Work With Us” page that includes current job listings and a way to apply.

Social media can also be a free outlet for sharing job openings. Platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram can help you reach followers who may be looking for work or willing to share your listing.

When using social media for recruiting:

• Share job postings regularly.
• Use hashtags and keywords relevant to the role and industry.
• Encourage employees to share job openings within their networks.

4. Use employee referrals

Creating an employee referral program can help you find quality candidates while strengthening engagement within your team. Even without offering a referral bonus, simply encouraging your team to share job openings with their professional networks can increase visibility and attract candidates at no cost.

You can:

• Ask employees to forward job postings to friends or former colleagues.
• Provide a simple message they can copy and share on social platforms.
• Recognize employees whose referrals lead to successful hires.

5. Connect with local organizations and schools

Many community organizations, colleges, universities and trade schools are eager to connect their members or students with employment opportunities. Reaching out to these groups can help you access talent pools for free.

Consider contacting:

• Workforce development centers.
• Community colleges and technical schools.
• Veterans associations.
• Local chambers of commerce.
• Nonprofits focused on employment and career training.

These partnerships can help you share job listings, attend local job fairs and identify candidates who meet your hiring needs.

6. Use free online communities

Online forums, community groups and job seeker communities often have dedicated spaces for job postings. These platforms allow you to connect with individuals actively looking for work.

Places to consider include:

• Local subreddit communities dedicated to hiring.
• Facebook groups for job seekers in your area.
• Industry-specific message boards.

Make sure your posts follow the group’s rules and provide all necessary information, including the job title, responsibilities, location and how to apply.

7. Create a talent pipeline

Instead of waiting for a role to open, you can build a pipeline of interested candidates over time. Having a list of past applicants, interested job seekers and previous interviewees helps you prepare for when a position becomes available.

Consider these steps when building and managing a free talent pipeline:

• Maintain a database of past applicants and resumes.
• Stay in touch with promising candidates via email.
• Allow website visitors to submit general applications or sign up for job alerts.

Staying engaged with potential candidates can reduce the time and cost needed to fill roles in the future.

8. Attend free networking events

Business events, meetups and industry-specific gatherings can be great opportunities to meet potential hires. Even if you’re not actively hiring, these events allow you to grow your network and learn about local professionals who may be a good fit later.

Some examples include:

• Chamber of commerce events.
• Local business association meetings.
• Free virtual panels and webinars.

Bringing business cards or having a quick way to share your contact information can help you follow up with promising contacts.

9. Offer internships

Providing internship opportunities can help you identify strong candidates. These experiences give individuals a chance to learn about your company while you assess their potential on the job.

To ensure fairness and transparency:

• Define clear expectations and timelines.
• Focus on skill development and mentorship.

Interns who perform well may be strong candidates for future permanent roles.

10. Promote your employer brand

Even without a recruitment budget, a strong employer brand helps attract talent. Candidates often research companies before applying. Highlighting your values, culture and employee experience builds interest in your organization.

Ways to strengthen your employer brand for free:

• Ask current employees to share their positive experiences on different platforms.
• Use social media to spotlight team achievements and company values.
• Update your Indeed Company Page with accurate details, reviews and photos.

An authentic and well-maintained employer brand helps you stand out to job seekers.

Strengthen your hiring process at no cost

Hiring employees without spending money is achievable with a proactive approach and the right tools. Start with unpaid job postings on platforms like Indeed, then expand your efforts to include employee referrals, community connections and strategic branding.

These methods help you build a sustainable hiring process that supports your business goals while keeping costs low.

FAQs about finding job candidates for free

How can I maintain candidate quality when using free hiring methods?

Free hiring methods can still attract high-quality candidates if you focus on clarity and accuracy in your job descriptions and outreach. Be specific about required skills and experience, and clearly present your company culture and growth opportunities. Maintain a structured screening process to assess candidates fairly and consistently.

Can free hiring strategies support long-term workforce planning?

Yes. Free strategies such as employee referrals, community partnerships and internal promotions can contribute to long-term planning. Building relationships with local institutions and developing internal talent pipelines help ensure you have access to candidates for future roles as your business grows.

How often should I update free job postings to keep them visible?

Refreshing job postings regularly helps maintain visibility. Review and update your listings every few weeks, or as needed, to reflect any changes to the role or your business needs. Updating the post can also signal to job seekers that the position is still open and that you are actively hiring.