The 35 sources CEB members use to recruit employees can be divided into three major categories.  They are advertising, networking and associations.

ADVERTISING

1. Newspapers:  Newspaper classified advertising is the most frequently used source for new employees reported by CEB members.

2. Trade Journals:  Trade journals are effective sources for technical and professional employees.

3. Radio:  Radio is a seldom used, but effective source for new employees.  Radio advertising can be targeted to specific age and interest groups.

4. Broadcast TV:  Broadcast TV is expensive and reaches a broad audience.  Some members report good results with this media.

5. Cable TV:  Cable TV is much less expensive than broadcast TV and can be very effective.

6. Direct Mail:  This is an often overlooked source of new employees.  It has the advantage of being able to target employees by geographic region, age, income, etc.

7. Signs:  Naturally, this source depends on the location of the business, but it is a source often used by CEB members.

8. On-hold Messages:  When a telephone caller is put on hold, a message can be played concerning the fact that your company is hiring new employees.

9. Church Bulletins:  CEB members who use this source, report it to be a very effective way of recruiting new employees.

10.  Internet:  This source is used more and more frequently by CEB members and holds a lot of promise in the future.

NETWORKING

11. Current Employees:  This source of new employees is the one source valued most highly by CEB members.

12. Former Employees:  CEB members report success with recruiting good employees who left the company under positive circumstances.

13. Vendors:  Let your vendors know you are looking for new employees.

14. Customers:  Let your customers know you are looking for new employees.

15. Competitors:  It is interesting to note that many employers have qualms about taking employees from competitors, but no qualms about taking customers from competitors.

16. Trade Shows:  Trade shows offer a good opportunity to network for new employees.

17. Service People:  Pay particular attention to people who serve you and let the outstanding ones know your company is hiring.  One CEB member has the following message on the back of her business card:  “I want you to know I appreciate the outstanding service you have provided me.  If you ever need a job, please call me”.

ASSOCIATIONS

18. Private Employment Agencies:  This source is used frequently by CEB members.  One CEB member pays the agency a premium to have the best prospects referred to his company.

19. Public Employment Agencies:  This source is not valued highly by CEB members.

20. Temporary Employment Agencies:  In addition to hiring temporary employees from this source, many CEB members use it as a source for full-time employees.  Members are able to hire temp-to-perm without paying a fee if the employee has been on temporary status for 90 days.  

21. Professional Recruiters:  It is recommended you hire a professional recruiter who specializes in your industry.

22. Colleges and Universities:  All colleges and universities have placement offices that provide information on prospective employees.

23. Vocational Schools:  Vocational schools have placement offices as well.  One member receives preferential treatment as a result of donating equipment to the vocational school.

24. Adult-Education Programs:  This program is often provided by high schools, colleges and universities.

25. Co-op Programs:  Many colleges have cooperative education programs that enable employees to hire college students for one or more semesters.  The employers then permanently hire the best co-op students when they graduate.

26. Military Outplacement Service:  The U.S. Department of Defense provides an outplacement service for personnel who are leaving the military services.  Call 1-800-727-3677 for more information on this very valuable service.

27. Large Personnel Departments:  Many large companies are downsizing and can be used as an excellent source of new employees.  Contact the personnel departments of large companies in your area.

28. S.C.O.R.E.  The Service Core of Retired Executives exists in many cities and can be a source of free consultation as well as new employees.

29. Union Halls:  Contact your local union hall.

30. Government Job Centers:  Welfare benefits are being drastically reduced at the present time and welfare-to-work can be a good source of new employees.

31. Job Fairs:  You can sponsor your own job fair or participate in job fairs promoted by other organizations.

32. Public Housing Authorities:  Contact your local public housing authority.

33. Employee Leasing Companies:  These companies have a need to find employment for employees they lease.

34. School-to-Work Programs:  Many high schools have programs specifically designed to get students who are not likely to go to college, employed immediately upon graduation from high school.

35. Senior Services:  These services, both public and private, can be a very good source for outstanding employees.