We talk about tools quite a bit. We’re always looking for the next ex-Googler to create a new chrome extension, but while we wait for the next epiphany, don’t forget that Google already has tools. Lot’s of them. Here are two that you can add to your sourcing toolbox that might give you a helping hand with your sourcing and recruitment strategy.
Google My Maps
Here at SourceCon, we also talk a lot about Google Custom Search Engines. Did you know that you can use Google My Maps to create custom maps to share data publicly or keep privately? You can use these maps for multiple avenues of approach like competitor mapping, talent location tracking, even share hiring locations with candidates on a landing page.
Have you ever had a client that told you, “there are only three or four competitors in town…” but when you conduct your own research, you find more than just “a few?” Here’s an old map I created for a previous client in the Denver, CO area:
There were not only more than a few but a smorgasbord of companies to choose from that conducted similar business in the same market as my client. All of these locations represent companies that had potential candidates for my client.
These maps can also be embedded on a landing page or webpage like your “hot jobs” link, or show the location of your next hiring event or open house.
Sometimes a visual representation can be helpful and it’s easy to create. To get to Google My Maps you must be signed in to a Google account. If you haven’t made a custom map in the past, there is a hyperlink just below the search box that will ask you to try making a custom map. You can manually add locations or upload data with an excel spreadsheet, .csv file, or Google Sheet (say your competitor spreadsheet or your candidate tracking spreadsheet).
Google Forms
What if you could multiply yourself? Google Forms can’t do that… but what it can do is provide a small form of force multiplication (military reference for the Veteran recruiters and sourcers out there).
Google Forms is essentially a survey tool that can be shared and embedded like other Google products. Depending on how you employ this form, you can create a data collector for positions you are working on. The best part is it’s an automated function.
For those that are lucky enough to have an ATS, CRM, or both, we can use a form to share information about new job openings, opinion polls, or whatever you can think of. Engaging your current candidate database can yield to some re-kindled interest in your company or re-engage them (especially all the old resumes that no one has looked at but swear they have). Below is an example of how you can use Google Forms.
You can change and customize the questions and answer types, create new themes, add videos or pictures, and all of your responses are gathered in a neat Google Sheet that can be exported and uploaded.
Tools are great but…
Pick up the phone. These tools (and whatever else that comes along) are just means of getting you to the conversation table. There is no magic fix to recruiting/sourcing and anyone who tells you differently is probably trying to sell you something. Nothing will replace the groundwork of conversation (to include listening) to a potential candidate, however there are creative ways to get their attention. Test out what works best for you, and make some calls. Happy hunting