In the previous article, we talked about starting with your personal and business networks.
But what happens if that doesn’t produce the right candidate?
Before jumping to major job boards, there’s a middle step many small businesses overlook:
- Targeted hiring locations.
These are places where your ideal candidate may already be gathering.
Why Targeted Locations Work
Job boards cast a massive net.
Targeted hiring locations cast a smart net.
Instead of attracting 300 random applicants, you attract:
- People already in your industry
- People who may already be interested in your type of work
- People actively building skills in that field
- People living nearby
That’s a huge difference.
Local Non-profits
These are organizations in your neighbourhood and close to your business.
- Charities
- Community Leagues, if your city has them
- A veteran organization like the Royal Canadian Legion
- Co-ops
- Cultural organizations (new Canadians)
- Indigenous Friendship Centres
- Churches, Mosques, and other religious groups
Target the organizations that are within walking distance first.
Consider tracing the local transit routes that go by your business; they may lead you to other organizations of interest.
Trade Schools & Colleges
If you’re hiring:
- Admin staff
- Technicians
- Bookkeepers
- Entry-level professionals
Local colleges and trade schools often have:
- Career centers
- Job boards
- Alumni networks
Students are actively looking for experience.
And many instructors are happy to share job postings.
Industry Associations
Every industry has associations.
Examples:
- Construction associations
- Retail associations
- Financial professional groups
- Business Improvement Area (BIA)
- Chamber of Commerce
Many offer:
- Member job boards
- Email blasts
- Newsletter features
These candidates are already serious about the profession.
Online Community Boards & Local Groups
Depending on your location:
- Facebook community groups
- LinkedIn groups
- Community newsletters
- Local online forums
These often outperform large job boards for small businesses.
Why?
Because local candidates want local employers.
Employee Referral Incentives
If you already have staff, consider offering a small referral bonus.
Even $250–$500 can be powerful.
Employees usually won’t risk their reputation by recommending someone unreliable.
When to Move to Major Job Boards
If your network and targeted locations don’t produce results, then:
Yes, use job boards.
But now you’ll do it strategically.
And that’s what we’ll cover in the next article.
Want the Full Hiring Roadmap?
If you want templates, scoring sheets, and a structured checklist, you can find it inside my eBook:
It’s also available at a lower price in my free 1-2-3 HR community.
Join the 1-2-3 HR Community
If you’re hiring your first or next employee and want practical HR guidance, join my free community.
That’s where we go deeper.