Recruiting blue collar in Canada

Ok, so here's something I haven't done before. Anyone on here experienced in recruiting for blue collar and more specifically in Alberta ? apparently it's an incredibly tough market because of oil and gas...I have a phone interview on Monday and I'm sure he's going to dig as to what my strategy might be. I would definitely partner with the technical schools etc.. but anything else ??

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Permalink Reply by Dean Lockett on October 12, 2008 at 3:09pm

Alex - I'm not sure what specific positions you are recruiting for, but if it were here in the U.S. - one of my strategies would be to provide hand outs or advertise somewhere near the unemployment lines where some might be picking up checks. Might try the strategy of contacting some outplacement firms in Alberta to coordinate efforts with them. Talk with some candidates you already have, get the inside picture of where they are looking when they look for work, and identify some of those as your technique to draw in candidates. I'd also offer candidates a referral fee contingent upon a hire of someone they refer (already do that now, some take advantage of it, some just refer the friend without asking for it) Just some thoughts thrown out here, I'll admit that this isn't my vertical, but hope these are some ideas that might help.

Good luck!
Dean

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Permalink Reply by Alex on October 12, 2008 at 9:42pm

thanks Dean.. it's a very very low unemployment rate, that's the issue. everyone is employed.. it's heavy machinery mechanics etc.. thanks for the ideas though

Dean Lockett said:

Alex - I'm not sure what specific positions you are recruiting for, but if it were here in the U.S. - one of my strategies would be to provide hand outs or advertise somewhere near the unemployment lines where some might be picking up checks. Might try the strategy of contacting some outplacement firms in Alberta to coordinate efforts with them. Talk with some candidates you already have, get the inside picture of where they are looking when they look for work, and identify some of those as your technique to draw in candidates. I'd also offer candidates a referral fee contingent upon a hire of someone they refer (already do that now, some take advantage of it, some just refer the friend without asking for it) Just some thoughts thrown out here, I'll admit that this isn't my vertical, but hope these are some ideas that might help.

Good luck!
Dean