What to do if you don’t find a suitable candidate through a job ad?

In the fast-paced world of recruitment, finding the right candidate for a job can be challenging. Despite crafting an appealing job advertisement, the ideal candidate could remain elusive. This is where targeted search comes into play, offering a strategic approach to sourcing top talent. In this month’s article, we’ll delve into the nuances of targeted search, exploring its benefits, when to use it, and how to execute it effectively.

Why didn’t the job ad bring me a candidate?

Before moving to anything else, let’s get down to the basics. Our experience has shown that the lack of suitable candidates is often due to a mismatch between our expectations and how we articulate the role. At the heart of successful recruitment lies mapping out the candidate profile.

• Who are we looking for?: A job title isn’t a profile description. What a “Marketing Specialist” means in one company might differ significantly from its interpretation in another. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what the role title means in the given situation. 
• Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have: What skills are fundamental for carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of the role? What skills would bring value to the team but aren’t essential for individual job performance? Are we too stuck in some expectations
• Why?: Recruitment is a substantial investment, demanding both financial resources and dedicated time. To maximize the return on this investment, delving into the “Why” is essential. Understanding the purpose behind expectations ensures that every step is purposeful and aligned with goals.
• Employer branding: Your job ad needs to cut through the noise. Conventional selling points like “nice team” and “competitive salary” may not be sufficient to capture the attention. To stand out, you need an in-depth understanding of your perfect candidate. What really captures their attention, what matters to them, what evokes the wow effect, etc?

When should you use a targeted search?

When the waiting game yields no results, it’s time to take control. The targeted search involves actively seeking out the ideal candidate rather than relying on passive approaches, like “post and pray”.

• Talent-driven market: In a market where candidates hold significant leverage, recruiters/employers must be the ones to make the first move.
• Immediate hiring needs: When time is of the essence, waiting for responses might not meet urgent hiring requirements.
• Niche roles: For specialized positions where finding the right talent requires a more hands-on and personalized approach.

Keep in mind that targeted search and recruitment are two sides of the same coin. Unlike general applicants who express interest and already know about the company, targeted candidates require a different approach. It’s essential to understand that, in this scenario, besides evaluating the potential candidate’s skills, recruiters are also actively selling the company and the role.

Effective process.

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, everything starts with thorough preliminary work. Here are a few more things to consider before you begin your search. 

• Competitor analysis: Research companies with open positions similar to yours. Analyze their job descriptions to uncover the essential skills and qualifications they prioritize. Review the benefits, perks, and growth opportunities they offer.
• Sector insight: Is the sector experiencing a surplus of self-applicants for this role, or is targeted search more likely to yield results?
• Identifying search channels: Which platforms, networks, or channels are most frequented by professionals in the specific industry? Are there niche platforms or industry-specific communities that could serve as effective channels?
• Time investment: Set a clear schedule for the entire process. 
• Nurturing the talent pipeline: Even after filling a position, maintaining engagement with potential candidates is invaluable. Keep the lines of communication open and nurture relationships.

Ready to elevate your hiring game? At Smartful, we offer comprehensive support in recruitment, targeted search, and customized training. Connect with us now, and let’s find the best solution for you!