We all know that one of the most challenging tasks for a business owner or HR manager is finding knowledgeable and dependable employees. Finding them quickly is even more difficult. Unfortunately, the task is harder if you have to sort through resumes and interview candidates in addition to all your other daily tasks. Make the recruitment job a little easier with these ten headhunter tricks to become a recruiting king by finding great employees in record time.

1. Geography Isn’t Everything

Have you considered expanding your area reach? The internet connects us all, so why shouldn’t it connect your employees with you? If you have positions that can be performed remotely, try using that aspect as a way to entice job seekers. Working from the comfort of home is a huge draw for people who already sit at a computer all day.

2. Know What You’re Looking For

If you don’t know what professionals are looking for in a job, how are you going to attract them? Hit up job boards and look at descriptions and research what job titles are currently trending. Then, work with the department managers or business leaders for the roles you’re looking to fill and gather industry information from them on what you should look for. The more specific you can be, the better, so make sure the right leaders are involved in providing you with as much information as possible to attract the best people.

3. Ensure Your Reputation is Spotless

No one wants to work for a company that has a bad reputation. If your company isn’t playing up how amazing it is to work for, start doing it now. Have your employees write honest reviews online and make a page dedicated to why your company is a great place to work. What can you offer potential employees?

4. Encourage Employees to Help

Employees are often a great source of assistance in finding qualified candidates. Ask them to help by posting on social media that you’re looking for specific talent. Everyone has a network, so make sure you’re accessing it with your search. Adding a benefit for an employee referral isn’t a bad idea either.

5. Check with Alumni Networks

Local colleges have lists of graduates and what degrees they obtained while there. Ask for a link to their network or a list of graduates and contact info in specific fields.

6. Hit Social Media

If you aren’t utilizing social media, you could be missing out on tons of great talent. Check over specific industry-related hashtags for the area you’re hiring in. People who use or search for these hashtags are trying to display their expertise in this area or are looking for opportunities. Many also have resumes already posted on their social profiles, making it quicker and easier to see a person’s credentials at a glance. Going out to find candidates in this type of active sourcing is a great way to find talent and it’s a more proactive approach than simply waiting for applicants to come to you.

7. Simplify Your Application

A challenging application is one of the biggest turn-offs for potential recruits. Place a simplistic application on your site first, then include a more in-depth one later if they get through the first screening stage.

8. Use an Excellent Recruiting Company

Recruiting companies are not created equal. Make sure you are using a talented agency to search for potential hires. They will weed out the ones who are potential flight risks and zero in on the most talented and experienced options for your needs. Lionstep is a great option for beginning a recruitment search.

9. Be Realistic

There is no such thing as a perfect candidate who has all the experience, education, and character traits you’re looking for. Instead, follow an 80/20 rule with your recruitment strategy where you seek out candidates that are almost perfect, but not quite. Leaving a little leeway for someone to grow into a position will open up a bigger talent pool than being narrowly focused on finding “the one.”

10. Target Another Company’s Talent

This seems sneaky but it’s really not. Why shouldn’t you become a headhunter for a competent professional in the field you’re hiring in? You may be able to offer benefits that they aren’t currently receiving.

These tips can help you become a recruiting kind and help your organization continue to grow with an excellent workforce. For more information about taking advantage of Lionstep’s recruiting expertise visit their site or connect with them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.