Help, I need some ideas.

[Gen 3 Electric]

Where do you look for new employees? I'm always looking to hire the best employees out there. I was just wondering where other business people go to find new job candidates?

We have had the best luck working our social network. In the past we have tried the papers, Craig's list and Monster.com. We all so talk with the trade schools. This way we can cherry pick their best students.

I like to find new employees before I have an immediate need. I try to keep a file filled with potential resumes. Currently my list is getting thin. I was wondering if anyone out there had some suggestion where I could look to recruit some high quality people who enjoy helping our clients and want to be in a career not just a job?

Please if anyone knows of a potential job seeker better yet someone in a dead end job, have them send us a resume. generation3electric@yahoo.com

[YourNeighbor]

Religious organizations. I have found some good workers over the years, mostly eastern european immigrants with talent but not great with the language. Just let the locals know what you do and what you are looking for, when they come across someone who fits they will call you.

[Gen 3 Electric]

Thanks Jim that is a good idea. We need good communicators in our business. We work mostly with home owner and need to put them at easy while we work in their homes. Having stranger in your home is uncomfortable enough. We did have a great employee, Steve, from Estonia. Unfortunately hem moved to Portland when his wife got a new job.

[MuscleHead]

Are you looking for just electricians or other positions as well?

[StrangeTanks]

I think we have a giant pool of folks around 50 and over in this country who have had careers and were downsized and outsourced. Then they are in the unfortunate position of competing with younger people in a difficult job market. I've found them to be some of the hardest working and reliable workers around.

[Gen 3 Electric]

We don't discriminate. As long as someone can do the job an carry their numbers age should not matter. The work can be physically demanding. My father is in his 60s and still does twice as much as some of my younger guy. How would you reach out to some of these old technicians?

[Gen 3 Electric]

We finally posted an add on Craigslist. We had 60 resumes or inquires the first day. OK, at least 75% of the people who responded are not even worth a call. We give a basic skills test and loose another 15%. Out of that I think we may find some people that I can invest in back ground testing. I think Craigslist worked out this time.