Best Way To Find New Employees?

Grumpy

Come Spring I will have to replace my assistant who is going into nursing full time, right now she's in school. I will also have to replace at least one sales rep who I let go earlier this year.

I have a big problem. I am terrible at hiring, especially sales reps. I have a high turn over. My assistant said when we hired her that she was going to do this, so it's no suprise... However I really want good quality candidates.

In the past I have posted in trade periodicals, craigslist, as well as careerbuilder. IN careerbuilder I got alot of responses but they all sucked. Not one was worth hiring. In craigs list I get some responses and it's a mixed bag some good some bad. I've get what seem like good responses from trade mags but they are mostly out of state storm chasers.

So I need to get some good permanent employees in here soon and I need help doing it. Any advice?

BreyerConstruct

We're in a similar position.

I'm loosing my assistant at the end of the month.
What I've done is to create a clear description of what I need, and we've also created a detailed job description as well.

I'll start with passing the listing around to a few choice suppliers and a couple of local churches. Then it's CL and the local collages... then online and the local paper if needed.

BTW, I'm posting our company name, but requesting a fax/emailed resume. If I get anyone showing up or mailing it, I'll shred it. That ought to weed out a few who can't follow simple orders!

But this is just my plan, and might fall flat.
Honestly, I'm a bit nervous... I don't' want to choose based on a set of legs- or NOT choose someone based on looks...
It's got to be someone I can trust in my house, since our offices are connected to the house, but someone my wife can trust me with without concern! She's never been worried, and I don't want to start that now!

~Matt

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angus242

Sorry Grumpy I don't have "thee" answer. I, too, am looking for (designer) help and went pretty much the same route as you. However, I did have luck posting on craigslist. Actually, I had more responses that were over-qualified. So far, so good. I interviewed 2 designers this week and will be meeting one tomorrow. All I can say is keep trying. I posted an ad every Sunday for 3 weeks before I started getting good replies. At first, all I had were replies on people trying to sell me stuff.
That or maybe mention to some of your local suppliers that you're looking to hire. Maybe they've had applicants but weren't hiring so they can pass them along to you.
I'm in the Chicago area as well and in my recent experience, there's a lot of people looking.
Sorry couldn't be of better assistance.

SLSTech

If the ideas above don't work
For your assistant maybe try a temp agency, prescreen the list & listen to what the rep has to say, when you find the right person - hire them
I take it you have a sales team - if so get there input on a job description, and have them conduct the first round of interviews. Take there top three for fitting in, understands our systems, etc... schedule a second round & hire the best one

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TJN40

I've been a Sales Manager for a major window/siding/gutter protection, and insulation Co. for over 13 years, and just found out that Tuesday I am going to be out of work, as they are shutting the doors. Anyways, I have hired trained and ran a very successful sales staff and can certainly help you w/ hiring ideas, but also wondering if you need any help? that's how i found this place. Anyways pm me for any help, or maybe we can talk Monday, as I have to find a new gig immediately.