Guide
Find candidates without paying a recruiter
Build a pipeline of good people using channels that don't cost a placement fee.
Start with your own network first
Ask people you trust who they'd recommend, former colleagues, customers, even happy vendors. Referred candidates are consistently among the best hires.
Post where your ideal candidate actually spends time
A generic job board works for generic roles. For specific skills, industry-specific communities, forums, or social groups reach a far more relevant audience.
Reach out directly to people who look right
A short, personal message to someone whose experience fits, rather than waiting for applications, often gets a response even from people not actively looking.
Keep a running list even when you're not hiring
Note down impressive people you meet along the way, a great vendor rep, a sharp freelancer. When a role opens up, you already have a shortlist.
That’s the whole thing.
Keep going
What to read next
- 01
Job Postings & Sourcing
Write a job posting that actually attracts good candidates
Skip the generic corporate template and write a posting real people want to apply to.
- 02
Job Postings & Sourcing
Screen resumes and applications quickly
Get through a stack of applications without losing hours or missing good candidates.
- 03
Job Postings & Sourcing
Build a simple hiring pipeline you can actually manage
Set up a lightweight system to track candidates so nobody falls through the cracks.