2 Proven Sourcing Tactics for Leadership Hiring
Sourcing candidates for leadership positions requires a different approach than hiring for other roles. I’m sharing some of the ways that have proven to be effective to source candidates for leadership roles.
Table of Contents
Hiring Tactics Often Used
- Executive Search Firms: Hiring an executive search firm like HRBx can be an effective way to find exceptional candidates for leadership roles. Firms like ours specialize in identifying, evaluating, and recruiting executives for leadership roles.
- Industry Networking: Networking with other executives in your industry can be an effective way to source candidates. Attend industry conferences and events, join professional associations, and reach out to your contacts to let them know you are looking for top leadership talent.
- LinkedIn Recruiting: LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for sourcing leadership candidates. Use LinkedIn to search for candidates with the specific skills and experience you are looking for. You can also use LinkedIn to post job openings and reach out to potential candidates directly.
- Referrals: Referrals from other executives or industry contacts can be a great source of leadership talent. Ask your current leadership team, board members, or industry contacts for referrals.
- Internal Promotions: Consider promoting existing employees who have demonstrated leadership potential. Internal promotions can be a cost-effective way to fill leadership positions and can help retain valuable employees.
- Talent Pipelining: Building a pipeline of potential leadership candidates can help ensure that you have a pool of qualified candidates when leadership positions open up. This involves identifying high-potential employees and developing their skills and experience over time.
Here are two tactics that can be used to source candidates effectively:
1. Revisit past candidates who were not hired:
Keeping a database of high potential candidates is one of the quickest ways to fill a role. These are relationships that are nurtured over the years.
They may not have been selected to hire for various reasons, but that should not discourage you from not considering them for future roles.
Often, these candidates were not selected because they did not meet the specific experience required or location criteria or the salary offered did not meet their expectations.
However, they may have gained the necessary skills or experience since then, making them an excellent fit for current positions.
Maintain an applicant tracking system to keep track of such candidates that you can leverage in the future. If you are not ready to invest on one yet, there are several free options available like Airtable.
Reviewing past candidates’ profiles and resumes can help you identify individuals who may be a good match for open positions.
When reaching out to these candidates, it is essential to be respectful and professional. You can explain that you came across their previous application and noticed that their skills and experience have grown since then. You can also share information about the current job opening and ask if they would be interested in applying.
2. Utilize the Similar Profiles feature on LinkedIn Recruiter:
LinkedIn Recruiter is an essential tool for sourcing candidates. One feature that can be especially useful is the Similar Profiles feature. This feature allows you to search for candidates with similar backgrounds, skills, and experience to the candidates you have already identified.
To use this feature, begin by identifying a candidate who has the qualifications and experience that match your job description. Once you have found this candidate, navigate to their profile and click on the “More” button. From there, select the “Similar Profiles” option.
This will generate a list of other individuals who have similar backgrounds and qualifications to the original candidate. You can review these profiles and reach out to any that you believe would be a good fit for the position.
In conclusion, by using these tactics, you can increase your chances of finding the right candidates for your job openings. Revisiting past candidates and utilizing LinkedIn Recruiter’s Similar Profiles feature are just two effective ways to source potential candidates.
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