The most powerful recruitment tool a business has is the combined network of its employees. This resource is close at hand. Tapping into it can lead your startup to the best future hires.
Good talent knows good talent. Strong performers attract other strong performers and because people generally tend to associate with others in their profession, this gives them access to specialized or rare talent. Leveraging this network is your best source of future employees.
Your first hires are critical to the success of this type of hiring system. Look for candidates who are not only excited about the work and where your startup is headed, but who are also well connected and respected in their industry. In short, make sure they are people that will help you attract and retain more great employees as you grow. These people will form your recruitment “sales force.”
Appoint a team member to mine employee networks. This person should actively review employee networks and engage the employee(s) in identifying strong potential candidates for your startup.
The following steps can help you create a pipeline of potential candidates that you can reach quickly and warmly when the need arises:
Ask the referring employee to consider these two questions:
Have a member of your executive team check the candidates. If you have a recruiter doing the hands-on work, do spot checks to ensure the system is working.
Recognize them for their efforts
Find out whether the candidate:
Identify and ask about the candidate’s fit with other key competencies needed to succeed at your startup.