4 Reasons Why a Job Ad isn’t Always Your Best Play

When you’re ready to begin the search process, it seems obvious to start by placing a job ad on a career site. While it may seem to be an easier and cheaper option, you should remember the old adage: “You get what you pay for”. Here are 4 reasons to consider contracting with a search firm instead of posting the job on your own.

1. No Filter

There is no limit to how many resumes will be submitted in response to a job ad posted on the obvious sites. With no filtering method, you’ll likely end up with far more unqualified candidates’ resumes than ones you’d actually be interested in. Sure, you can filter through all of them. But you’ll end up taking far more time than you needed to, and are likely to burn yourself out on applicants who were never viable candidates.  It Is also human nature to select the best of the worst.  After screening thru dozens of resumes it is common to select the best from that group, however, settling is never a good way to fill a key role.  A search firm can produce a stronger crop of resumes, to begin with, and do the initial sorting on your behalf.

2. Shows Weakness

Your posting will advertise your job, but it may also advertise something you’d rather keep in-house. A widely distributed ad may give the impression, right or wrong, that there’s a weakness in your team. The more targeted approach a firm will take is also less public and makes your organization seem less desperate or troubled.

3. Limited Words

It is often challenging to put into limited words exactly what you’re looking for in a candidate. When you have pre-determined ad space, or when you have to pay for length, you’ll find you’re handicapped when it comes to fully expressing your hiring needs. With a professional recruiter, you are able to meet with them in advance and have a more nuanced conversation about the specific skill set and experience you’re looking for in a hire.

4. You’re Being Compared

The candidates who see your ad on a job site are also seeing, and comparing yours, to those of your competitors. And given how limited you are in your description of the job and your company, that may not be the best way you can represent yourself to a potential candidate. Additionally, the only people considering your ad are those already looking for a new position. Not necessarily a bad thing, but your best hire could be the one not yet looking. A firm can seek out the best and brightest, even if they are passive candidates, and make sure you are presented as a highly desirable place to work.

So leave it to the pros! Let a professional firm handle your next search.

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