We know that for employers finding the perfect candidate can be a difficult process, particularly if the position in question requires a set of niche skills. In these instances, it can help to think small by utilising niche recruitment techniques. With positions regularly attracting a huge number of CVs, including plenty of candidates that are obviously wrong with the position, niche recruitment can save you valuable time in the pre-screening process.
Since the ultimate aim is to start by only receiving suitable CVs, you'll be in a much better position from the get go, simply by focusing on the most qualified and passionate candidates. We've put together some handy tips that can help you streamline your recruitment efforts for those niche positions...
Be specific when it comes to the job position
The job description is not a time to be vague, particularly when it comes to recruiting for niche job roles. You have to ensure that you're being specific as possible by doing things like listing all of the qualifications and skills required. You'll also need to make sure that your concise so that you don't lose the interest of some potential candidates, and don't be afraid to lose specific language and jargon that's associated with the career field you're recruiting in.
Know your audience
When you recruit for a position that requires a certain skillset, you'll often find that the jobseekers will share their attributes. You'll find out whether they are technically or creatively strong as-well as what specific skills they have for the job in hand. The more information you know about the typical job seeker in the field you're recruiting in, the better chance you have of attracting the right type of candidate. The information you gather will allow you to position your job advert in the best possible outlets, whether these outlets are online or offline doesn't matter, as long as your advert is being seen by the right candidates.
Be specialised
We all know that there are plenty of job boards that attract a huge number of visitors, these sites are great for reaching a broad audience and attracting a lot of interest but when it comes to niche roles, you don't necessarily want a lot of responses. Whilst some of the applicants may be suitable, it's usually the case that the vast majority simply don't have the experience or the skills required, so you're going to have to think differently if you want only the best candidates to know about the job. Instead of posting on a jobs board, you could take your advert and share it with an online community or a network of individuals who work within the field. If they aren't looking for a position themselves, at-least one of them is likely to know someone who is and may share it with a suitable candidate.
Social Media
Another way to connect with job seekers in niche fields is through social media. Research has shown that two thirds of adults are on at-least one social network, meaning that you're more than likely to find plenty of great candidates on Linkedin, Twitter or Facebook. By posting a specific job advert on your social media channels, you stand a great chance of coming up in a suitable candidate's search results should they be looking for a new position. You can also find job seekers via tools such as Twitter chats, job seekers who are active when it comes to growing their network within their niche field, so they're more than likely to put the effort into finding your job advertisement.