As the founder of CarrotNewYork, I am proud of the culture we have built. Intelligence, hard work and a diversity of opinions are three standards we prize, so when it comes to hiring, we look for people who share our values. We’ve also found it incredibly valuable to search for future employees in less-traditional ways than, say, posting on a job board. Here are a few resources you can use to find great people of your own:
1. Internship Programs
We have relied on our internship program for years to connect us with bright young people, many of whom we have hired. Internships give you the opportunity to work with potential hires and see how they may fit in and contribute to the organization. It also is a way to give forward by mentoring students and young professionals.
2. Your Advisory Board
The members of your advisory board, the people you ask to give your company advice, can often help recommend people to hire, especially for senior positions. We created an advisory board several years ago and since these professionals understand our business, they are useful resources for connecting us to people who might fit our organization.
3. Clients and Vendors
If you're looking to hire, get the word out to your clients and vendors. They already have relationships with the people who provide your company’s products or services. Therefore, they can recommend those they might know through their own clients or others looking for jobs in the industry.
4. Professional Organizations
While being active in professional organizations may help you make connections in your own career, it's also a smart way to discover potential employees. In fact, I’ve met valuable members of my team this way. Most recently, I met a perfect strategic partner at the Women Presidents’ Organization Conference.
5. Social Networks
Social networks like LinkedIn can help you connect with people who might not necessarily be looking for a job. Unlike a job posting board, where candidates are looking for you, LinkedIn allows you to scope out employees. Use the tool to do deeper searches that go beyond your first-degree connections, which you likely already know. Search for the specific companies, groups, or job titles you’re interested in. Even if those you find are not interested in taking a new job, they might know someone else who is.
Read more about CarrotNewYork.