There’s a lot of talented candidates who would excel at your company, but hiring those outside your local market can be expensive. If you’re not interested in paying travel costs and relocation fees, it’s best to focus on professionals currently residing in the area.

Posting open positions on your company website and various job boards will attract candidates, but not always the cream of the crop. Use these three techniques to gain access to the best and brightest professionals your local area has to offer.

Start Networking

The best candidates understand the value of face-to-face connections, so they’re constantly out making new contacts. Take your hiring strategy out from behind the computer and start attending networking mixers, job fairs, and even consider holding an open house at your company. Only professionals with drive take the initiative to attend these events, so this is a great way to meet talented, enthusiastic professionals ready to make a career move.

Get Your Employees Involved

Your employees are talented people — and their networks are filled with like-minded people. Work is always more fun when you’re surrounded by colleagues you genuinely enjoy, so they’ll be eager to recommend anyone they think would be a good fit. Plus, no one wants to vouch for someone primed to make them look bad, so all referrals will be made with confidence. If you can swing it, sweeten the deal by offering a bonus those who refer successful candidates.

Use Social Media

These days, the vast majority of adults have a social media presence, so use this to find talented local candidates. In addition to sharing job postings on Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn can really help you zero in on candidates with certain skills, in a specific geographic area. The search feature on this professional networking site is pretty extensive, allowing you to seek everything from professionals who graduated from — or are currently attending — a local college or university to those with other area companies on their resume.

Finding top talent is hard work, so give yourself a break by joining forces with ECS to manage your contingent workforce. We offer professional payrolling and consultant management services to employers and invoicing, financing, payroll, and HR compliance assistance to recruiters. Contact us today to discuss a partnership!