Free resumes are available on the internet if you know how to find them! There are other resources that are available at no cost as well like
free candidate searches
or
job search engines
where you can list your position and get resumes sent to you.
Similarly, there are places where you can find
job posting
that won't cost you a dime, like the resumes from the
employment development department
or in some cases an
online resume search
where you
source candidates online
using search engines. Additionally, you pay taxes and there is likely a government job development department where you can get all the candidates you can handle.
What to Watch Out For
As with all things that are free there is a downside. When you subscribe for free things, you gets lots of data and very little sorting. If you give out your contact info you are subject to inquiries from a number of people both qualified and unqualified etc. It only takes one stalker candidate to suck your day away with the constant phone calls and visits.
Issues to Consider
Below is a list of issues that should be considered before looking at the free stuff.
In depth of screening resumes
Phone calls/emails from job seekers
Lack of updated contact information
Lack of updated job history
Candidate Availability?
These are just a few of the obvious downsides but if you can handle these issues, let's face it, the right price!
How to Use a Free Service
The best way to use a free service is to get leads and follow them. This means get names of candidates with the right skills. If you find one or two, even if they are not available you have company names and job titles where they worked. These are leads! Contact the company and department or use the company name as a search term or maybe you have another keyword to add to your search strings. You get the point.
The free resumes can provide a great deal of information to improve you chances of a successful search. It is your job to mine the data and use the information you gather to improve your chances and if necessary pay for some help.
Other Sources - Job Posting
Remember we mentioned that there were places you could post a job and candidates would send you resumes? To get the best candidates you need to
write your job ads
to attract top candidates.
E-Recruiting & Referrals
Finally, when it comes to free resumes, sometimes it is best to look right in your own back yard. With
e-recruiting techniques
and employee referrals, often you can find candidates without ever having to look elsewhere. This can often be a rich resource and should not be overlooked.
Preferred Partner
If you are looking to do some job posting or want to search for resumes, please consider the Employer Section over at
Job of Mine.
They help you find the employee that's right for you.