For companies growing from $50MM to $500MM in revenue, hiring the best talent is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. The difference between good and great hires can be the catalyst that propels you to a $1BB exit. However, achieving this consistently requires a proactive approach that goes beyond traditional recruiting methods. Here’s how to ensure you hire the best people every time.
1. Don’t Settle for the Familiar
One of the most common hiring pitfalls is relying solely on familiar sources—internal referrals, applicants to online postings, or your professional network. While these are valuable, they represent only a fraction of the talent pool. To hire the best, you must cast a wider net.
According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends, only 30% of the workforce is actively looking for a job. This means 70% of potential candidates are passive and will only be reached through a proactive approach.
2. Get Clear on What You Need
Before you begin the hiring process, it’s crucial to define what you’re looking for—not just in terms of technical qualifications but also cultural fit and future potential. Are you hiring someone to stay in a role long-term, or do you envision them growing into a leadership position? Understanding this will guide your search and help you communicate the right message to potential candidates.
For example, when Google hires, they assess not just the immediate fit but the potential for future roles. This forward-thinking approach has been key to building a company of innovative leaders.
3. Use All Available Tools
With clear qualifications in hand, it’s time to identify every qualified candidate. This is where being proactive truly pays off. Utilize LinkedIn, social media, ZoomInfo, and other databases to uncover potential hires. Don’t wait for them to come to you—reach out directly.
According to a recent Deloitte study, companies that use proactive recruitment strategies are 4.5 times more likely to fill positions faster than those relying solely on reactive methods.
4. Reach Out—Relentlessly
Once you’ve identified your potential candidates, the real work begins. Use every platform at your disposal: email, social media, phone calls, text messages, and referrals. The goal is to engage with candidates on their terms, making it easy for them to respond.
At Potere Search, we implement a ‘7x4x21’ system, reaching out to each qualified candidate seven times across four platforms within twenty-one days. This consistent, multi-channel approach ensures that no stone is left unturned and that we connect with the best candidates.
5. Interview Everyone Who’s Interested
A wide net catches a lot of fish, but not all are right for the role. However, interviewing everyone who expresses interest ensures that you’ve explored every option. This due diligence is key to making confident hiring decisions.
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that interview more candidates per role tend to have better retention rates, with employees staying 20% longer than those hired through less rigorous processes.
6. Make the Confident Choice
After engaging with all potential candidates, the final step is making the best choice. Because you’ve been proactive, you can be confident that you’ve done your due diligence. You’ve talked with everyone, weighed all the options, and selected the best person for the role.
And What Will be the Impact?
Hiring the best people every time isn’t about luck—it’s about being proactive. By casting a wide net, using every available tool, and ensuring you’ve explored every option, you can confidently hire the best candidates every time. For companies scaling from $50MM to $500MM in revenue, this approach isn’t just recommended—it’s essential.