Do job ads really work?

Job ads are a common method for companies to attract potential candidates for open positions, but are they the best way to find top talent? The answer is not a straightforward one, as the effectiveness of job ads can vary depending on the company, the position, and the job market.

One of the main benefits of job ads is that they allow companies to reach a large and diverse pool of candidates. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Reed and others make it easy for companies to post job ads and reach job seekers all over the world. This can be especially useful for companies that are looking to fill positions where the skills required are not niche or specialised with a large enough talent pool that the chance of getting a decent candidate. However, the downside of reaching such a large pool of candidates the amount of application will be huge, and it can be difficult to sift through resumes to find the best fit for your company.

Another advantage of job ads is that they are a cost-effective way to recruit. Posting a job ad on a popular job board is relatively inexpensive compared to other recruitment methods like headhunting. However, if you're looking to fill a very specific or highly-skilled role, the cost of a job ad may not be worth it - wasting both time and money and ultimately ending up nowhere.

On the other hand, headhunting can be a more effective way to find top talent. As headhunters, we specialize in recruiting and ultimately find the best candidates for specific positions. We can tap into our extensive networks and know how to inspire the best candidates who may not be actively looking to make the switch for the benefit of your business. Additionally, unlike job ads where you must do the legwork of reviewing CVs who typically aren’t right, we pre-qualify and shortlist a selection of candidates saving you time to focus on more high value activities.

Ultimately, whether a company should rely on job ads or headhunting to fill open positions depends on the specific circumstances. Job ads can be a cost-effective way to reach a large pool of candidates, but may not yield the best fit for the company. Headhunting, on the other hand, can be more effective in finding top talent, but typically involves a higher financial investment. A company may want to consider using a combination of both methods to maximize the quality of the hire whilst also minimising unnecessary costs.

If you need any help or advice on what the best recruitment methods are for your business then please get in touch on hello@weareresst.com and we’d be happy to help!