If you’ve ever tried to fill a position on your farm, you know one simple fact: recruiting is just hard. Finding the right fit for the farm, the job, and the culture is no simple task. Even so, here are five tips that can help you get the job done.

Previous Candidates: This is not rocket science, but something that every employer should hold in their toolbox. This tactic is not to be confused with previous employees (which is also not a bad idea), but if you have used an applicant tracking system or simply have a folder of old resumes on your desk, revert back to them. Maybe these previous candidates were not a good fit for positions you previously hired for, but they may be perfect for the job you currently have at hand. Timing is everything, and you never know who might be in need of a second chance.

References: Go back to the references who have helped you find the great employees that you have now. Do they know of anyone else who could fit this job opening? Great people surround themselves with other great people, and they likely would have someone else in mind. Reach out to them and be sure that they know about your current openings.

Employee Groups: Consider this an alternative approach to an employee referral program. Get together your current employees in similar roles that you are trying to fill and ask where you might find one of them today.

Competitors: Travelling for work? If you happen to stop in the same city that one of your competitors resides in, stay in the same hotel where employees and candidates for this company might gather. Wear your company attire and give your elevator pitch.

Virtual Career Fairs: Career fairs are excellent because the people attending them are actively seeking new careers. Virtual career fairs are unique and make this venture much more cost-effective for your organization. Plus, you can gather anyone you would like present in one room at one or more computers. Candidates at all levels utilize this tactic to gain employment.

Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t receive. Get creative and start asking for your next great employee!

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.