Recruiting is the process of attracting qualified candidates to apply for job openings. Attracting applicants is important because people need to know about your job opening before they can apply. Note that recruiting is not about getting lots of applications, it’s about attracting qualified candidates for job and organizational culture fit. It is critical to select the right recruiting source for the specific job.

Internal recruiting involves filling job openings with current employees. Employees may be encouraged to refer external friends and relatives to apply for positions. Without actually being recruited, good candidates may come to an organization “cold” and ask for a job. Recruiting takes place at high schools, vocational/technical schools, colleges, professional associations, career conferences, and trade and job fairs.

A simple help-wanted sign in the window is an advertisement. Companies also use some direct mail, radio, and TV.