Recruitment

3. Finding Candidates

3.1 Make use of internal resources.

• Internal promotion is the cheapest way to recruit, and can also help you motivate and keep existing employees. Use your training and development programmes to prepare employees for promotion (see Personal development plans).
• Consider offering bonuses to existing employees who put you in touch with successful recruits.
• Keep on-spec applications on file.

3.2 Advertise externally, using a carefully written advertisement (see 4.1).

• Advertise in appropriate publications. For example, target employees using national newspapers or specialist trade magazines. Unless you expect the candidate to relocate to your area, local newspapers may be the best option.
• The cheapest way to advertise is on your website. But this may be inefficient if your site does not attract enough visitors. You can also advertise on job sites such as www.workthing.com or www.monster.co.uk. Use your industry's business portals to find sites that cover your geographical or business area.

3.3 Consider using an employment agency, preferably with experience in your business sector.

• Agencies can be helpful when recruiting specialist or temporary employees, or recruits from skills shortage areas.
• Hiring temporary staff can be a good way to get to know employees before offering them permanent positions.
• Make sure you provide a detailed brief of your requirements (see 4.1).

3.4 Use Jobcentre Plus as a cheap and fast way of recruiting.

• It is particularly useful for finding temporary and permanent employees earning up to £20,000 a year.
• There is no charge, and Jobcentre Plus can shortlist applicants for you.
• Under the New Deal, you may get financial assistance if you recruit unemployed and disabled candidates.

3.5 Build relationships with local schools, colleges and universities to attract promising candidates for trainee positions.

• Be ready to interview candidates when they start to look for work at the beginning of their final year.