The fastest way to increase your candidate flow is through increased referrals. And, what’s the best way to get those referrals? Word-of-mouth advertising, which has to be earned, and lateral marketing – telling or sending something.

Both of these strategies require you to develop a specific referral process (automatic questions). Remember, when you are asking for referrals, you will reduce your chances if your candidates think referrals are their competition.

Do you ask for testimonials from your employees?
Testimonials letters from your current employees are so much more effective than even the best marketing materials.

Here are some realities:

1. Successful recruiters EXPECT to be successful
2. Attach your Recruiting Goals to your Life
3. Realize the importance of RELATIONSHIPS
4. Become a RAINMAKER
5. You must be ORGANIZED and PLAN
6. Utilize TOOLS
7. Utilize Resources and Third Party Vendors if possible
8. Become a MAGNET for TALENT
9. Be INNOVATIVE and CREATIVE

In today’s market, the kiss of death is “Out-of-site-out-of-mind!” You must create Top-of-Mind Awareness (TOMA) with candidates. A recent study published in Business Week made reference to how candidates have dramatically changed over the past few years, regardless of your line of business.

Here’s what they found about today’s candidates:

• They are skeptical
  Dishonesty has become part of every segment of business, so candidates don’t know how to find an employer they can trust.
• They are cautious
  They don’t want to make a commitment until they see the whole picture, gather facts and think through their decision.
• They are busy
  So busy in fact, that they often don’t take time to deal with their job search until they have someone “entice them.”
• They are confused
  Never before have candidates had so many options.

Source: Business Week

Top-of-Mind Awareness is when job seekers think of your company first when they decide to change their job. One obvious question… How do you get on the list of top companies to work for?

You can maintain Top-of-Mind Awareness with your candidates by:

• Providing monthly updated job listings with article of interest
• BLOG for Job Seekers with postings filled with interview tips
• Offer referral fees

What about your thirty second pitch?

• Do you have one?
• Do you have more than one to utilize when interviewing, attending networking events or job fairs?
• Is your pitch WWD?

Never underestimate the power of “You” when creating TOMA
When you review today’s customer, the one factor that separates your competition from your company is YOU. It’s the level of service, your honesty, your commitment to solve their problem, your focus, and an established relationship that will help you gain and maintain TOMA!

On the back of your business card – differentiate yourself. On your email signature line – differentiate yourself. Put “Here for you 24/7” and watch the results. If their perception is that you are there for them whenever they need you, they will not only appreciate that level of service themselves, they will tell others.