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Q: What Could I Do To Kick-Start Recruiting?

I am new to both the recruiting position and to my region. I would like to recruit five people this year, but job fairs and career seminars are high-effort, low-return propositions. Networking at chambers of commerce is useful but takes time to develop, and advertising hasn't worked. I am recruiting for insurance and financial service representatives and want to really get it into high gear this quarter. What activities would you suggest if you were in my shoes?
—-- In search of agents, insurance, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
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A:

Dear Agent-Searcher:

Congratulations, you are off to a great start. Networking and professionalorganizations are great ways to find top-notch passive candidates, but I would also recommend taking your networking to a new level. Chambers of commerce are an excellent way to gain exposure for your company; however, they contain a diverse business base and may prove to be too varied for a targeted recruiting effort.

Joining organizations that are industry-specific, i.e. insurance- or finance-related, such as the National Association of Insurance Women, will allowyou to connect with first-rate professionals who are serious about furthering their careers. Also, talk with your current employees and find out what companies they worked for in the past. Do they have names of former co-workersyou can contact? Reaching out to competitor organizations and developing solid relationships is another great way to source suitable applicants. If yousuccessfully build relationships with individuals at competitors, these potential candidates very often will be receptive to, and appreciative of, being courted about potential opportunities. If they are not interested at that time, they maybe an excellent source for referrals.

SOURCE: Glenn Dubiel, executive vice president, The Mergis Group, Richmond, Virginia

LEARN MORE: Browse Workforce's Recruiting and Staffing channel for a range of resources on this topic.

The information contained in this article is intended to provide useful information on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice ora legal opinion. Also remember that state laws may differ from the federal law.

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