Four Reasons to Implement Multi-Channel Hiring Today

On average, only 50% of roles are filled by active candidates using channels like job ads or your careers page. Without including channels that allow you to access passive candidates through proactive sourcing or events, you’re missing out on half the market and it will take longer to fill roles. That doesn’t mean that one channel is better than the others. They all have pros and cons, so a healthy mix of channels will ensure that you always have the coverage you need.

Hiring channels work together just like the members of a team. By working together, the team can achieve results and solve problems that the individuals couldn’t have if they worked alone. 

Talent projects are no different. Job function, company situation, seniority level ─ there are any number of factors that influence the best way to fill a role or deliver on a hiring plan.

Multi-channel hiring gives you access to more people, the flexibility to fill challenging roles without time blowouts, and lets you target the right candidates.

Here are four key reasons to make the change.

1. It’s Easier to Source Hard-to-Find Skill Sets

Some roles, like engineering, are much less likely than others to be filled by using passive sources. Just 38% of engineering roles are filled by candidates who apply. They’re used to the next opportunity coming to them so there’s less incentive for them to look. 

For rare skill sets, the chances are lower of the right person knowing about your open role because there are simply fewer eyes looking. This is where channels like proactive sourcing (active) and an employee referral program (passive) are so valuable. 

2. You Won’t Miss Out on Great Talent 

The more channels you have access to, the more likely you are to find the kind of candidate that you’re looking for ─ it’s that simple! If you rely on passive channels only, you’ll miss out on approximately 25% of the available talent market. If your passive channels don’t include a referral program you could miss out on a further 16%.

You can’t know ahead of time where you’ll find the candidates you need. Having multiple channels at your disposal means you don’t have to. 

3. Different Channels Suit Different Hiring Needs

Job ads don’t require as much time or money as other talent sources, but you’ll get a lot of unsuitable applicants. Proactive sourcing offers discretion and tight targeting of candidates but you need to invest the time. Recruitment agencies give you on-demand capacity to meet spikes in hiring, but they’re also very expensive. 

Your organisation is continually evolving and will never just hire one kind of role. Your channels need to be equally dynamic and sustainable. 

4. Diversify Channels to De-risk

What has worked in the past won’t always work in the future. You need to be continually analysing the performance of your channels. The talent market can change very quickly, as a result of a global pandemic let’s say! Relying on one channel means being stuck with the fallout. Multiple channels means having the flexibility to forever adapt.