Breaking Down the Recruiting Brick Wall: Identifying & Sourcing Candidates

This article is the second in a three-part series looking at how your organization can improve its hiring processes. Like what you see? Don’t miss parts one and three!


For Post 1 in our series “Breaking Down the Recruiting Brick Wall: How to Build More Effective Hiring Practices,” we showed you how to create a Candidate Success Profile to help you identify what you’re looking for and lay the foundation for a successful executive search. But once you have your profile in place, how do you find the people who match it?


You may think we’ve come a long way from posting ads in the classifieds, but today’s hiring managers use the same tool with just a different name: the Internet.


Posting a job is a standard practice that all companies should do, but it isn’t the only, or the best, way to find the right candidates for your organization.

In today’s post, we’ll show you other active ways to identify and source candidates that will complement your job posting and enable you to find the professionals who fit your Candidate Success Profile.

Post Jobs Strategically

You should be posting your open position already, so an easy first step to go above and beyond the standard practice is to think about where to post based on the interests of your ideal candidates. What do they read? Which websites do they browse? What networks or groups do they belong to? Think about relevant industry associations, job boards, publications and trade shows that align with the role and distribute your information through those channels.


For example, when conducting a search for a President for a higher education institution, the Chronicle of Higher Education would be a smart place to post your position. If you’re recruiting for a specific geography, leverage university and alumni job boards for your search to help you identify the right candidates in the region your position is located in.


While job postings are a great start for spreading the word about your open position and casting a wide net, keep in mind that 70% of workers aren’t actively job-searching. Below are 4 more ideas for reaching that passive talent.


Solicit Employee Referrals

The #1 way candidates find out about positions is through referrals, and creating a strategy that encourages employee referrals can be an effective way to source talent that is not only qualified for the position but also the right culture fit for your organization.


Making sure you receive leads that are relevant and qualified, though, is key, so here are a few ways to improve your employee referrals.

Network with Like-Minded People

Networking should always be a key piece in your sourcing efforts, but, as with job postings, taking a more strategic approach to connecting with your network about open roles can help you find qualified candidates faster.


For instance, when searching for a CFO, talk to all of the CFOs you know; even if they aren’t a fit for this position, they will know other CFOs who may be. You should also connect with your service providers, including accountants, lawyers and bankers. Professional services firms work with the people you’re looking for, and they can offer solid leads for new candidates.


As with all candidates that come through your process, you need to evaluate these referrals using your Candidate Success Profile to make sure they are qualified for the role. People in your network may also only suggest professionals who are actively seeking positions, so hone your ask to learn more about who the experts in the industry or function are, regardless of whether they’re looking, to better reach the passive candidates.


Get the Word Out Through the Media

In addition to posting on your company’s website and through your social media and other marketing channels, consider using public relations firms or the press to promote your search.


Rather than trying to publish an article about looking for a new Product Manager, though, work with your trade publication to write a piece about a new product launch and include information about your search to add new people to your team.


You can also take your press coverage to the next level by gamifying your search. Gamification involves applying elements of game playing to a project and is often used as an online marketing technique to push products and services. But gamification doesn’t have to be limited to marketing.


Many sectors, most notably the technology industry, employ gamification to recruit new candidates as well. Tech firms often host hackathons where they invite programmers, developers and other software and hardware professionals in to collaborate on short-term projects. These intensive work sessions provide potential candidates the opportunity to work with innovative companies while also giving tech firms an exclusive opportunity to evaluate professionals’ skills in real time and figure out who really is the best fit for their organizations.

One of the best recent examples of combining media coverage and gamification was Columbia Sportswear’s 2015 search for a Director of Toughness.

Media outlets immediately picked up on the search for 2 individuals to travel the world, test Columbia gear and chronicle their experiences on Columbia’s blog. Columbia received thousands of applicants for the positions, and the success of their search is owed both to the playful nature of the job description/call for applications and the wide-spread promotion of the openings via a variety of channels.


Targeting

One of the most effective ways to find the best candidates for your position is to conduct targeted sourcing – going after candidates who don’t know your company, haven’t heard about your position and aren’t looking for a new job but who, based on a variety of factors (including the traits you’ve outlined in your Candidate Success Profile), you have identified as professionals who could have the right skills for your position. 


As we mentioned earlier, 70% of the working population is not actively seeking new positions, and that vast group of passive job seekers is often the best place to find the right candidates for your positions. But how do you tap into that pool of talent?


Targeted sourcing can be extremely successful, but it also requires a lot of time and effort to execute the strategy and yield results. To be effective, your organization must commit to this approach, which means investing in research and team members experienced in proactively reaching out to candidates.


If your organization isn’t ready to build an internal team to perform targeted sourcing, engaging a search firm like 180one could be a great solution. When looking for highly critical or specialized roles, working with a search firm can ensure that the positions remain a priority, taking the burden off of your internal team so they can focus on other projects. Most candidates are also more open to speaking with a search firm instead of the hiring company to maintain confidentiality, so working with a search firm can expand your ability to reach and connect with the talent that isn’t actively seeking new positions.


When selecting a search firm, make sure to inquire how they source candidates and specifically how they target. They should possess a research function, a repeatable process, experienced recruiters with the right know-how and a system to support their efforts.


In the Next Post…

As the market continues to tighten up, your ability to remain one step ahead of your competition in looking for talent is the key to winning candidates. The practices outlined above are a good start to thinking about and building more robust sourcing strategies.


Once you identify the top candidates for your pipeline, you need to determine how to assess them. Head over to Post 3 of our series to learn how to effectively evaluate your candidates to make the best hire possible.

By Effie Zimmerman June 23, 2026
Group Vice President ABOUT THE COMPANY The E-J Group is active in all facets of electrical contracting, bringing experience, expertise, and a national reputation to projects that range in size up to more than $900 million. With over 4,000 employees across 32 offices nationwide, E-J delivers full-service electrical solutions for mission critical / data centers, rail systems, transit facilities, office buildings, hospitals, power generation, substations, transmission and distribution, renewables, co-generation facilities, roadway and outdoor specialty work, airports, industrial facilities, chip plants, universities, sports stadiums, extra high voltage distribution, utility, and gas infrastructure. At E-J, three generations of family expertise have built an organization that combines practical knowledge with modern technological innovation, providing rapid and efficient solutions for today’s lighting, power, energy, and communication needs. E-J has a 127-year reputation for integrity, quality, and exceptional service in the electrical field. To learn more, visit www.ej1899.com . POSITION SUMMARY The Group Vice President will oversee and manage all operational aspects of this $750 million group of business units spread across multiple states. The responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, process optimization, and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations as well as growing staff and development of people. With a focus on continuous improvement, you will drive operational excellence, fostering a culture of innovation and productivity. Travel at least 40% of any given month to cover the needs of a national electrical contractor, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President responsible for both local and national management. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Leadership Lead and oversee operations across multiple divisions, regions, and business units nationwide. Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the company's growth objectives, financial goals, and customer commitments. Establish operational standards, performance metrics, and accountability systems to drive consistency and excellence across all divisions. Monitor project execution, productivity, labor utilization, scheduling, quality, and customer satisfaction. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, scalability, and profitability. Financial Performance Maintain full P&L accountability for assigned divisions and operational business units. Partner with division leadership to develop annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic growth plans. Monitor key financial metrics, including revenue, gross margin, EBITDA, backlog, cash flow, and working capital. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, project margins, and return on investment. Review major project performance and implement corrective actions where necessary. Strategic Growth Support corporate growth initiatives, including geographic expansion, acquisitions, and new market development. Collaborate with business development and estimating teams to ensure strategic pursuit of opportunities aligned with organizational objectives. Participate in acquisition due diligence, integration planning, and operational alignment of acquired businesses. Evaluate market trends, competitive positioning, and emerging technologies impacting the electrical construction industry. Safety and Risk Management Champion a world-class safety culture throughout the organization. Ensure compliance with all OSHA, regulatory, and company safety standards. Partner with safety leadership to establish proactive risk mitigation strategies. Review incident trends and implement programs that reduce risk exposure and improve safety performance. Talent Development and Organizational Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop business unit leaders, regional leaders, operations leaders, and senior operational personnel. Build succession plans for critical leadership positions throughout the organization. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and high performance. Support recruiting, retention, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives. Promote employee engagement and organizational culture across all regions. Operational Excellence Drive standardization of processes, systems, project controls, reporting, and operational best practices. Leverage technology and data analytics to improve decision-making and operational visibility. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across divisions. Lead enterprise initiatives related to productivity improvement, innovation, prefabrication, workforce optimization, and project delivery excellence. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 10+ years of experience in operations management with a preference for experience in commercial electrical contracting, specialty construction, or related industries. Demonstrated success leading multiple business units, divisions, or regions with significant revenue responsibility. Preference for experience managing large-scale commercial, industrial, mission-critical, and civil construction projects. Proven track record of driving profitable growth, operational improvement, and organizational development. Experience leading senior-level teams in a multi-location environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans Strong leadership and team management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Experience in budgeting and financial management Knowledge of supply chain management Ability to solve problems and make decisions quickly Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Advantages of Working at E-J: Leading Electrical Contracting Organization Nationally Oldest family-owned and operated electrical contractor since 1899 Job training and mentorship Supportive Management Team Rewarding project experience Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401 (k) plan Paid holidays and vacation Merit-Based Bonus History of employment longevity The E-J Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by EJ Electric to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
By Greg Togni June 8, 2026
For much of the last decade, executive hiring was closely tied to expansion. Growing companies added new business units, entered new markets, launched digital initiatives, and created leadership roles to support growth. Today, the picture looks markedly different. While demand for senior leadership remains strong, a growing share of executive hiring is being driven by replacement rather than expansion. Across industries, boards and leadership teams are increasingly focused on succession planning, retirement-related transitions, and upgrading leadership capabilities to meet rapidly evolving business demands. In many organizations, the question is no longer, "What new leadership roles do we need?" Instead, it has become, "Do we have the right leaders for the future we are building?" Several converging trends are driving this shift. A Wave of Leadership Turnover Leadership turnover continues to accelerate across public and private companies. According to research cited by Harvard Business Review, CEO succession rates reached 12.5% in 2025, up significantly from 9.8% the prior year. At the same time, more than 2,000 CEO departures were recorded in the United States, reflecting one of the most active succession environments in recent decades. Boards are also becoming more willing to look externally for leadership talent. Recent data show that 44% of CEO appointments among S&P 1500 companies came from outside the organization, a level near a 25-year high. This growing willingness to seek external leadership reflects a broader reality: many organizations believe that the skills required for the next phase of growth may not be fully represented within their current leadership teams. The Retirement Factor Is Becoming Impossible to Ignore Demographics are creating another powerful force behind replacement hiring. Large numbers of Baby Boomers continue to exit the workforce, creating leadership gaps across industries. While retirement timing varies by sector and geography, organizations are increasingly confronting the loss of decades of institutional knowledge and leadership experience. Many companies spent the past several years postponing succession discussions while navigating economic uncertainty, inflation, and labor market disruption. As a result, some organizations are now facing a compressed timeline to identify and develop the next generation of leaders. The challenge extends beyond simply filling vacancies. In many cases, companies are discovering that there are fewer experienced leaders available than expected, particularly in specialized industries where leadership pipelines have not kept pace with retirements. Evidence of these pressures is appearing across both public and private sectors as organizations report increasing difficulty replacing highly experienced senior talent. From Replacement to Upgrade Not all replacement hiring is driven by turnover. An increasingly common scenario involves organizations replacing leaders who are performing adequately but lack the capabilities required for future business needs. Economic uncertainty has made many organizations cautious about adding headcount. Instead of creating new executive positions, boards are asking whether existing leadership structures are optimized for growth, profitability, and transformation. Recruiters and talent advisors report a significant increase in confidential replacement searches, particularly for leadership positions impacted by AI, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and changing customer expectations. Rather than expanding leadership teams, organizations are investing in stronger leadership capability within existing roles. This represents a meaningful shift from previous cycles. Historically, executive hiring often accompanied organizational growth. Today, many leadership searches are designed to improve execution, accelerate transformation, or close capability gaps. AI Is Raising the Leadership Bar Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the strongest drivers of leadership upgrades. Boards increasingly expect executives to understand not only their functional disciplines but also how AI will reshape business models, workflows, workforce planning, customer engagement, and competitive advantage. Organizations are reassessing leadership teams through a new lens: adaptability. Leaders are being evaluated on their ability to navigate technological disruption, lead workforce transformation, make data-driven decisions, and build organizations capable of operating in a rapidly changing environment. Companies across industries are investing heavily in AI capabilities and adjusting talent strategies accordingly. As a result, many executive searches today are less about filling a vacancy and more about acquiring capabilities that did not exist as leadership requirements even a few years ago. What Corporate Leaders Should Be Thinking About The implications for boards, CEOs, and CHROs are significant. Organizations that treat leadership succession as an occasional event may find themselves competing for scarce talent at precisely the moment they need continuity and stability. Meanwhile, companies that regularly assess leadership capabilities against future business requirements will be better positioned to navigate both retirements and transformation. The most successful organizations are no longer viewing succession planning and executive hiring as separate activities. They are treating both as part of a broader leadership strategy focused on future readiness. The executive hiring market in 2026 remains active, but the underlying motivation has changed. For many organizations, the priority is not adding more leaders. It is ensuring they have the right leaders for what comes next.
BASCO
By Effie Zimmerman June 1, 2026
President ABOUT THE COMPANY Dating all the way back to 1878, BASCO's parent company, founded by the Cronin Family, began its long-lasting legacy. Now a fifth-generation family-operated business, BASCO has built an exceptional reputation by combining industry-leading products, expert customer guidance, and an unwavering commitment to service. With showroom locations in Portland’s Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and Bend, along with an Outlet Store, BASCO delivers a highly differentiated customer experience through interactive appliance displays, knowledgeable professionals, and a curated portfolio of more than 60 premium appliance brands, including Viking, Thermador, Dacor, Miele, and Wolf-Sub Zero-Cove. BASCO is the trusted appliance partner for discerning homeowners, luxury remodel projects, and the building community serving the upper-end residential market throughout the Pacific Northwest. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the CEO and the Board of Directors, the President will lead the organization into its next phase while preserving the culture, reputation, and customer-first values that have defined BASCO for generations. This executive will provide strategic and operational leadership across the business, strengthen organizational performance, develop high-performing teams, and continue elevating BASCO’s position as the region’s premier luxury appliance retailer. The President will provide leadership and oversight across all major functional areas of the business, including operations, purchasing and supplier relationships, product delivery, customer service, finance, human resources, and marketing/communications. The Ideal Candidate will possess the following skills: Proven ability to attract, develop, engage, and retain high-performing team members while building a strong, collaborative organizational culture Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively delegate, influence, and collaborate across all functional areas to drive productivity and operational excellence Thoughtful and confident leader with a growth mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to make strategic and timely decisions Strong financial and business acumen with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to effectively leverage organizational resources to achieve strategic and operational objectives CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Review and enhance organizational effectiveness by improving processes, fostering a highly engaged work environment, and implementing operational improvements Develop, implement, and manage annual budgets and resource allocation plans Continuously evaluate and improve operational efficiency and overall financial performance Deliver the financial objectives established by senior leadership and the Board of Directors Partner with operational leaders to establish, track, and achieve key performance metrics and KPIs Identify and implement effective solutions to business challenges, including customer concerns, profitability issues, employee relations matters, and competitive pressures Collaborate closely with the Sales Team to consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience Champion customer loyalty by ensuring a consistently high level of service and delivering commitments with integrity and responsiveness Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing talent aligned with the company’s business objectives and culture Inspire and motivate team members to achieve and exceed goals by establishing clear accountability, defining performance expectations, setting high standards, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field required; advanced degree or graduate-level education preferred Proven executive leadership experience with full P&L responsibility, ideally within a retail, multi-location, distribution, or related operating environment Demonstrated success leading diverse functional areas and large teams while building strong cross-functional relationships that drive collaboration and results Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to balance long-term objectives and day-to-day operational demands Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization Proven ability to develop, manage, and execute financial plans, budgets, and performance objectives Broad business acumen with a strong understanding of key organizational functions, including finance, operations, human resources, procurement, and sales Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to support sound business decisions Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by BASCO to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
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