Current Employees Best Source for Finding Potential Hires

CLEVELAND – Recruiting and retaining quality workers is routinely cited as the No. 1 barrier preventing PCOs from growing.

One important consideration when it comes to hiring is determining where to best allocate time and resources. Almost half (49 percent) of those who responded to PCT’s recent reader poll said current employees are the best source for finding potential new hires, while another 39 percent voted for online job boards.

Adam Weber, founder of performance software Driven, posted on PCT’s LinkedIn page that he's always found that the people that ended up being the best hires, came from employee referrals. But there are only so many of those that you can get! So when those dry up, where do you go?

Ten percent of respondents said professional recruiters were their top choice for finding new employees and only 2 percent chose job fairs.

John Target, president of Target Pest Control, Calgary, Alberta, noted that the most effective recruitment platforms or methods can differ greatly depending on each company's unique needs, the types of roles needed filling, service areas, and the current job market dynamics. "A combination of online job boards, industry-specific websites (such as pest control directories), and networking within the pest control community is often the most fruitful approach,” he said.

The most common way Target Pest Control receives resumes is from licensed technicians seeking advancement or a change of employer, typically through email found on its website or Google.

“We also make use of pest control directories, such as www.pestcontrolapproved.com, by posting job openings on our profile,” Target said. “This allows potential candidates browsing the directory to see our vacancies and reach out to us. Pest control directories are invaluable for those seeking opportunities in the field, offering a comprehensive list of companies by service area.”

Target cautioned that hiring experienced individuals can have drawbacks because they sometimes “bring along undesirable habits, which may include inadequate training, a lack of sales drive, burnout, poor teamwork skills, and a reluctance to embrace new learning.”

Participate in our latest poll question:  Based on winter weather, what are you expecting in terms of spring pest pressure.