Grab their attention

Find a Web site where you can post more than your job listing. Some sites let you post about your company culture, your Web site address (which gives you the perfect place to let them see your personality), and more.

I recommend: Vault, one of the best employer Web sites out there, has a great section entitled “Why Work For Us?” where you can profile your company, compensation and benefits info, and – best of all – any shining endorsements you’ve received as a great employer.

Combine your recruiting efforts with those of others

If your town’s unemployment rate is low, then other business owners are probably facing the same issues with recruiting out-of-town candidates. Consider pooling your resources to create an 8x10 color brochure that highlights the town’s benefits, and offers plenty of happy quotes from other town employees who were recruited from big cities. Place this ad in trade magazines and on job recruitment sites, and watch the candidates line up.

I recommend: Check with the local Chamber of Commerce for tips and resources (photos, etc.) to help you put together this town brochure. For hundreds of free industry/trade publications, go to Free Trade Magazine Source, and inquire with individual mags for ad costs.

Show and tell

If you want potential employees to give you – and your small town – a second glance, don’t just wax eloquent about the joys of living and working in a place where “everybody knows your name.” Show them. Post pictures, videos, and more on your company Web site, and at recruiting sites.

I recommend: Thank goodness for technology, and for great, free employer sites like Vault Interactive Media, where you can bring your company to life by posting your video, audio, CD-ROM, or IPIX™ virtual office tour on Vault. Don’t have interactive resources like this? No problem – Vault will create them for you! Complete Video Productions, Inc. also offers video production services nationwide.

Hire a professional employer organization (PEO)

Don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to bringing in quality employees on your own? No problem. Find a reliable PEO to help you out.

I recommend: Administaff handles applicant interviewing, pre-employment testing, background checks, and more – even a Free Quote!

Offer them incentives to relocate

Show them that you’re serious about wanting them – offer sign-on bonuses and individualized relocation benefits.

I recommend: Check out MasterCard, where their “relocation card” gives your employee the freedom to move without having to cover costs himself, and wait for a reimbursement check. You can set limits and other controls as you determine is appropriate.