Where to find employees??

[mae0111]

DH’s small business has taken off, and he needs to hire an employee. It’s his first employee in a niche area of engineering. He had 2 solid candidates that he knew personally, but both were afraid to be Employee #2 at such a small company. He is looking for someone with at least 5 years experience- someone that can jump into a meeting and understand what’s going on.

So... where do you find employees?? He posted on LinkedIn, but the quality of candidates that responded was poor. Very few had the experience he needed, and the 2-3 that had the right experience didn’t have US work visas (he listed visas as a requirement- he won’t try to sponsor anyone).

He reached out to his fraternity alumni network because many people are in the same industry- no luck. He shared the posting on his personal LinkedIn page, as did I... nothing.

Next plans:
- reach out to his University alumni network
- reach out to local universities that have this specialty, and see if he can post to their alumni network
- indeed
- ziprecruiter
- a temp/contract agency that deals in this specialty. We know that one exists - my dad is in the same industry and worked for them until recently. DH can’t hire my dad because my dad won’t travel. This job is 30% travel.

What else can we do? Any ideas?

[mommyatty]

I would go with the temp agency with a look to going temp to hire. I have to hire engineers, and it’s hard. They are in demand and I can’t imagine many wanting to be the only employee of a company with one owner. If you’re not offering equity, that’s going to be a hard sell. I work at a Fortune 200 size company with a crapload of engineers, and we have to compete with consultants and a ton of other companies for engineers, and we are willing to train them right out of college.

[divanerd]

I would also seek out temp to hire. Your search for schools with graduates in the speciality is smart move.

It will be hard to find a candidate with that many years exp in your own.
Good luck!

[mae0111]

mommyatty - equity is definitely a possibility. Due to the structure the owner has to be a registered professional engineer, and the two candidates DH spoke to didn’t have the certification. But profit sharing has always been on the table, as well as commissions for new business.

We’ve been thinking that the agency is the way to go. They do temp-to-hire, which is what DH wants. I just didnt know if there was another obvious path we were missing.

[supertrooper1]

I know you said he didn't want to sponsor someone for a visa, but don't rule out Canadians. They don't require a physical visa in their passport under the Trade NAFTA engineer category. Your H would have to write a letter and the employee would present that and their qualifications to U.S. immigration. $50 later they have a work permit for up to 3 years.

[mae0111]

Aug 31, 2019 17:36:35 GMT -5 supertrooper1 said:

I know you said he didn't want to sponsor someone for a visa, but don't rule out Canadians. They don't require a physical visa in their passport under the Trade NAFTA engineer category. Your H would have to write a letter and the employee would present that and their qualifications to U.S. immigration. $50 later they have a work permit for up to 3 years.

That’s an interesting point! Most of his applicants are coming from restricted countries, but Canada would be doable. Thanks!

[covergirl82]

Is there a formal professional organization for engineers with their PE? Often professional organizations have a careers page on their website, so that might be another place to try.

[mae0111]

Sept 3, 2019 8:22:26 GMT -5 covergirl82 said:

Is there a formal professional organization for engineers with their PE? Often professional organizations have a careers page on their website, so that might be another place to try.

It’s funny - I suggested that over the weekend. The president of the association is the guy that screwed him out of the partnership. They are not in good terms. 😳