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How to Source Candidates in a Competitive Market

sourcing candidates

Tech recruiters looking to hire top talent face a highly competitive and crowded industry. Between Q3 2020 and Q2 2022, tech shifted to a candidate-driven market, not unlike a hot property market. This saw salaries for engineers, data scientists, and developers increase by nearly 30%, and many candidates receive multiple job offers, even now as the market starts to balance out.

Online job posts are unfortunately one of the least successful ways to attract top candidates to the beginning of your hiring funnel. You might find a few needles in the haystack, but this approach adds extra time in order to find talent worth moving lower down the funnel. At TekRek we recommend a multichannel process that includes these strategies:

Referrals

You should begin your hiring process by starting at home and asking your own team for referrals. They already know the company and its culture, which can help speed up your search. Internal referrals generally lead to stronger candidates and less turnover in the long run. A well-administered referral program can help build your company and boost morale at the same time.

Direct Messaging

Social media platforms like LinkedIn are ideal for searching and reaching out to skilled candidates through their direct messages. Depending on the role or sector you’re hiring for, also consider leveraging other social platforms, like Twitter, Instagram, or even TikTok. Be sure to do your homework on the prospective candidate, personalize the message, and keep any outreach clear and concise.

Job Boards

Traditional job boards may also seem like a “black hole” for hiring, but do have their uses. While generally not a resource for high-level positions, job boards can highlight entry-level candidates whose profiles are still rising. Keep your targeted keyword searches up to date, in order to narrow the field. Always share these postings with your team and colleagues; A smartly publicized job posting can lead to unexpected referrals from trusted connections.

Events

Job fairs, career expos, and recruiting events may require a little more legwork but can introduce you to new talent that you otherwise might not have encountered. When joining or hosting a recruiting event, make sure your marketing materials are clear about the roles you’re filling, and the types of candidates you’re after. Consider hosting your event after work hours (to attract already working candidates), or organizing it around a social event related to your industry.

Internal Teams

Hiring managers should always keep tabs on existing employees, with an eye toward career advancement. As well, keep in mind contractors or interns who may be suitable candidates for promotion to full-time employees. You may have already hired the perfect candidate.

Sourcing candidates in the tech industry is an increasingly complex challenge. At TekRek, our bespoke data-driven recruitment process can help you cut through the noise and find the right talent for your tech organization.

Contact TekRek today to get started.

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