If you’ve spent time hiring in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed recruiting has become tougher. Job boards are crowded, competition is fierce, and finding the right candidate can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
What can employers do when conventional hiring methods aren’t cutting it? Are there other approaches? According to Melissa Melnick, a recruiter and generalist at HR Resolutions, it’s time to start thinking outside the box, and that means tapping into alternative recruitment pools.
What are alternative recruitment pools?
“Alternative recruitment pools are really about reaching beyond your standard job boards,” Melissa said. “Instead of relying only on Indeed or ZipRecruiter, employers need to find creative ways to connect with candidates they might not otherwise reach.”
Examples include posting flyers at community centers or grocery stores, advertising in a local church bulletin, reaching out to veterans associations, or connecting with local colleges and trade schools. These strategies can open doors to qualified, motivated individuals who may never see your online postings.
Why does this matter?
The job market is in flux. There are plenty of openings, but also a lot of competition for talent. By exploring different pools of candidates, employers can reach people who other companies overlook.
“Often, it’s not about spending more money, it’s about spending time and putting in the effort to find candidates in new places,” said Melissa.
In some industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, that creativity can make all the difference between a position sitting open for months and being filled by a loyal, capable employee.
Expanding the Definition of “Qualified”
Alternative recruitment pools can include:
- Veterans and military spouses
- Individuals with disabilities
- People re-entering the workforce (such as parents or retirees)
- Students and recent graduates
- Immigrants or work visa participants
- Individuals with prior justice involvement, depending on industry regulations
Not every business can accommodate every group, but many can do more than they think with the right preparation and mindset. Matching roles to everybody’s abilities and providing the right support can lead to long-term, engaged employees who are proud of their work and committed to their organization.
Reaching beyond traditional candidate pools offers measurable advantages. Businesses often see stronger retention rates, improved morale, and an increase in employee referrals. When someone loves their job, they tend to share that enthusiasm with others, especially within their own networks.
These word-of-mouth referrals can create a steady pipeline of dependable candidates, often resulting in faster hiring, better cultural alignment, and reduced turnover. Investing in a referral program or in relationships with trusted community organizations often pays off far more than relying solely on online job postings.
Where to Start
Employers interested in exploring alternative recruitment pools can begin with a few simple steps:
- Assess what works for your industry – Not every approach fits every business. Consider your open roles, your flexibility, and which groups might align with your operational needs.
- Engage your current workforce – Employees often have community connections that can lead to strong candidates. Encourage referrals and community outreach.
- Connect with local organizations – Partner with CareerLink offices, veteran programs, disability employment services, and local schools or colleges to spread the word.
- Simplify your job postings – Keep postings clear, concise, and easy to share. You don’t need special language, but ensure your opportunities reach the right audiences.
Changing the Hiring Mindset
Expanding your recruitment strategy starts with a mindset shift. Hiring today requires flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to look beyond traditional approaches.
“There’s no cookie-cutter approach anymore because COVID changed everything,” Melissa said. “Employers have to be creative with their postings because the ones who adapt are the ones who will thrive.”
The workplace landscape has evolved dramatically over the last several years, and employers must be innovative to attract and retain strong talent.
The most successful organizations are those that see hiring not just as a process, but as an opportunity to build connections, strengthen culture, and bring new perspectives into their teams.
HR Resolutions helps businesses of all sizes build smarter, people-centered HR strategies. From rethinking recruitment to improving retention, our team can help you find and keep the right people for your organization.
Contact us today to discuss how hiring from alternative recruitment pools can benefit your organization.