There are a wide range of methods of finding candidates for a position these days with the internet growing in strength. Traditional methods of advertising in papers and using personal recommendation should not be overlooked though.

What are the best resources for finding quality candidates?

Try using temporary personnel agencies. These can provide you with virtually any type of employee. Hiring temps can give you the opportunity to fill a post, and give you the opportunity to check out their performance, with the possibility of hiring them on a permanent basis. The main drawback is that the temp agency will charge a fee if you do hire one of their temps full-time.

There are also agencies dealing with recruiting full time employees. Some of these deal with all industries, while others are specialized. These will ask for a fee, but for the cost, you will be given a list of candidates who have already been screened and reference checked. It is also worth advertising the position with a job centre.

If you are recruiting at an executive level, you can turn to executive search firms, often called headhunters. Be prepared, though, to pay a large fee payable up front when the employee is hired.

Before all of these options, however, you should consider your current employees. There may be one who is ready for a promotion. You have the added benefit of already knowing the work habits of this person. Plus, the candidate already knows the organisation. Promoting from within is also good for employee morale, as other employees will see opportunities for advancement.