Why You’re Not Catching the Right Talent (and Where to Cast Instead)

Hiring in 2025 can feel like throwing darts blindfolded — you might get lucky, but it’s not

exactly a strategy. The good news? There’s a better way to find the people you actually need. The not-so-good news? A lot of businesses are still looking in all the wrong places.

Let’s break down where to look (and where not to) if you want to stop wasting time and start finding the right talent.

❌ Where Not To Look

1. Job Boards That Feel Like a Black Hole

Posting your job and hoping the right person finds it is like putting a flyer on a telephone pole and praying the wind carries it to the perfect candidate. You’ll get clicks, maybe even applications, but most won’t match what you really need.

2. Resume Piles That Don’t Tell the Whole Story

A resume shows you what someone did — not how they did it, whether they were reliable, or if they’d actually thrive in your environment. Too many businesses are still sorting through stacks of resumes hoping to spot something magical in a bullet point.

3. Hoping Someone Walks Through the Door

Sure, people still walk in looking for work — especially in the trades — but if your business isn’t well-known, established, or constantly in the community, those walk-ins are few and far between. Relying on foot traffic in 2025 is like waiting for lightning to strike.

✅ Where to Look

1. Your Network (and Your Team’s)

Your current employees, trusted subcontractors, and even friends can be your best recruiters. Let people know you’re hiring. Encourage referrals. Show up at local job fairs or industry events — not just with a booth, but with real conversations.

2. Local Groups & Community Boards

Tap into local Facebook groups, community bulletin boards, chambers of commerce, and workforce development programs. A post in a well-connected local group can often get better traction than a paid job ad.

3. Job Services and Training Programs

Partner with technical colleges, high school trades programs, or job service agencies. They often have students or graduates looking for real-world experience — and they’re usually pre-vetted, motivated, and ready to work.

4. Direct Matches Based on What Actually Matters

Instead of sorting through strangers, look for ways to connect with candidates who actually fit what you need — not just in skills, but in attitude, reliability, and culture fit.

5. Passive Talent (The Ones Who Aren’t Even Applying)

Some of the best hires aren’t actively applying — they’re quietly open to new opportunities but not blasting out resumes. Finding a way to connect with those people gives you a huge advantage.

6. Updated, Active Profiles

Nothing slows you down like chasing candidates who aren’t looking anymore. Make sure you’re reaching people who are current, active, and responsive — not profiles that have been sitting untouched for months.

The Bottom Line

Hiring isn’t just about filling a seat — it’s about finding the right person who wants to be there, fits your team, and sticks around. If hiring has felt impossible, it’s not because there’s no one out there. It’s because you’re looking in the wrong places.

That’s exactly why we built Plenty of Hires — to take all of these better hiring methods and bring them into one place. From connecting with passive candidates to keeping profiles fresh, we’re making hiring simpler and more effective for small to mid-sized businesses.

Because hiring shouldn’t feel like guesswork — it should feel like a match.

👉 Ready to stop the guesswork? If you’re looking for a candidate pool with qualified matches, [click here to get started].