11:45 - PCR Hacks for Finding More Candidates

In this week's 11:45, we delved into the intricacies of utilizing PCRecruiter more effectively, specifically how you can optimize your searches to yield a stronger candidate pool.

Key Takeaways

Utilize Zip Code Radius: Instead of relying on area codes or city/state identifiers, using the zip code radius for searches provides a more accurate geographic targeting. This method reduces the chance of missing candidates due to varied data entries or misspellings.

• Use Google Maps to estimate distances from the city center to key suburbs where candidates might be commuting. For example, if a suburb is approximately 30 miles away, set the radius to 30 miles to encompass a comprehensive geographic area.
• Tailor the zip code radius to the specific client and role being searched. For a highly specialized position, a smaller radius may be appropriate to focus on candidates close to the job site. Conversely, a larger radius may be necessary for roles in short supply or searches covering multiple client locations.

Wildcard Search with Percent Sign: Implementing the percent sign (%) as a wildcard in searches can broaden the results by including variations of common titles. This approach increases the comprehensiveness of search results, capturing a wider array of relevant candidates.

• For instance, searching for "%project manager%" will return results like "senior project manager," "IT project manager," or "assistant project manager" in addition to the base title.
• Experiment with using wildcards in different fields beyond just titles. For instance, applying the % wildcard to area codes (e.g., %215%) can capture phone numbers with extensions or slight variations.

Adding Keywords: To refine searches further, make use of the keywords box in advanced search settings. This allows for the inclusion of specific skills or qualifications, ensuring that the search results are more aligned with the specific needs of the role.

• For example, when searching for "wastewater treatment," include terms like "water treatment," "WTP," "WWTP," and "wastewater management" to capture a wider range of relevant experience.
• After running a keyword search, examine the keyword score column to gauge the relevance of each result. Hover over the scores to see where the keywords appear within the candidate's profile, such as in their resume, skills, or attachments. This information helps prioritize candidates with the most pertinent experience.

Setting a Backstop with Date Entered: Filter candidates by the date they were entered into the system to avoid outdated records. Setting parameters such as 'Date Entered' helps focus on active or recent candidates, enhancing the relevance and efficiency of the recruitment process.

• When setting the date entered backstop, strike a balance between filtering out older records and maintaining a sufficiently large candidate pool. If a search yields too few results, consider gradually extending the date range to expand the pool without compromising relevance.

Sorting Search Parameters: Ordering search parameters by priority ensures that the most relevant filters are applied first, refining the search progressively. This structured approach to sorting search criteria can significantly impact the quality and relevance of the search results.

• For example, group location-related parameters (e.g., zip code radius, area code) together, followed by title and experience-related parameters. This structured approach helps ensure that the most critical criteria are prioritized.

By taking the time to master these PCR strategies, you'll be able to quickly find the best candidates for any role. As you get better and better at using zip code radius, wildcards, keywords, date filters, and search ordering, you'll be able to create spot-on candidate lists in no time.

If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to Zach Coddington.