by Optimum
Share
by Optimum
Share
Recruitment myths…
- No one hires in December
- There is a “hidden” market of “secret” jobs only shared with a few
What is true is that I personally don’t advertise. I have a network to look at, an extended network to ask for referrals and then I start headhunting. Am I operating some kind of covert recruitment operation…no…I just prefer to work with people I already know and don’t have time to sift through ad response. You can apply a similar approach to job hunting.
Have a target list
In any industry there are the aspirational employers. Work out who these are and apply directly even if they aren’t advertising at present. ATS systems integrated with AI now mean that internal TA teams are using this source more than ever. Larger organisations often have an “expression of interest” option so you can share your information.
Reach out to the most appropriate leader for your vertical in these organisations. Everyone likes to hear that they are an ‘employer of choice’ and, in an increasing environment of cost management, a direct approach may be a speedy and more cost effective solution to a pending problem
Use your network
So many examples of people being offered roles by referees once they were alerted to the person looking for a new role. Think about those people you’ve worked for previously; where are they now and would you work for them again. Similarly, apply this lens to people you’ve worked alongside. Can they introduce you to their current employer?
Apply your network connections to your target list. Can someone you know introduce you to the appropriate leader in your niche/vertical?
Consultants – who do you know in a consulting role? Those providing advice to other organisations have insight into hiring and expansion plans. Make use of these relationships.
Recruiters
In every market and every vertical there are dedicated specialists. Ask your colleagues who they recommend and then reach out to these experts. Like me, they probably don’t advertise all their roles.
Maidlin Mistry
Divisional Manager – Finance
It is that time of year — the break is in sight, but there is still plenty to do! This is a wonderful opportunity to take a step back and make sure everything is in order from an HR perspective and plan ahead for 2026. Rather than tackling an exhaustive list, here are some top […]
Recruiting the right staff is one of the most critical — and difficult — tasks any organisation faces. A single hiring decision can ripple through a company quickly, influencing productivity, culture, and morale to name a few. Yet even the most seasoned recruiters and hiring managers fall prey to a subtle psychological trap that quietly […]
With over 20 years in the staffing industry, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with a wide range of organisations on critical leadership recruitment assignments. Every job brief is unique, with its own nuances around technical expertise and behavioural competencies. Some leadership roles are more hands-on than others, but one constant remains: every leader is […]
I spent my birthday weekend doing what I love most, riding my motorcycle through the mountains around Brisbane. And there’s nothing that clears your head like a motorbike can. The sound of the engine, the cool air as you climb higher, the sharp focus it takes to read every bend and curve… it’s a mix […]
