Recruiting Efforts
ptongate
2 Posts
My agency is responsible for the Head Start centers in 7 counties and some of the supervisors are wanting to "recruit" new staff (teachers, aides, volunteers) for the centers by standing in an area by a busy intersection holding signs. With no advertising in the local papers or radio, I'm afraid that people passing by in traffic will think there is some sort of "protest" going on and this could cause more confusion and questions than we really want. I am also considering safety and liability issues on our part. One of our personnel policies states that we are not allowed to solicit or distribute any type of information in the workplace during working hours, but this "recruiting" effort will take place on a weekend and not on center property. I would like some feedback and ideas if you have any. Thanks,
Paulette
Paulette
Comments
I understand that your purpose is totally different but I think there are better and more effective ways to reach people than stand on a corner and hope a qualified individual happens to drive through. I think you are also correct to be concerned about the impression that your workplace is being protested.
My advice would be to determine the profile of the kind of person you are looking for and then target specifically to reach those people.
Lets say your volunteers tend to be people that have some connection to your program already. You might consider hosting a "volunteers open house night" and serve snacks and beverages. Invite as many people as you can to come and find out about the volunteering opportunities you have.
In other words, target your efforts towards the specific groups that are most likely to produce potential candidates.
Craigslist or Facebook might be resources to consider. You might even call your smaller local papers and invite them to come do a story about your Headstart program and need for volunteers.
I would suggest first that you let your parents know that you are looking for people and ask if they know anyone. You can also post jobs and volunteer positions at a number of online websites.
If you organization has a website, a facebook page, or a twitter account, you can also post your needs there. Be creative, but not so creative that you scare people away.
"Recruiting" in traffic is soooo not cool. I think Paul's open-house idea is excellent. It will take a bit of thought and planning, but the results will be well worth the effort...and will provide a positive spin for your organization.
The open house idea is a great one, and remember - Craigslist is free.