Beyond Job Boards: How to Source Skilled Trades in Regional Areas

The Limitations of Job Boards: Why Seek Alone Won’t Cut It

Using job boards is the go-to move for most businesses, but it’s not the magic bullet everyone hopes for. You throw up an ad, wait for applicants, and often find yourself sifting through a pile of resumes that don’t quite fit. In regional areas, it’s even worse because the talent pool is smaller, and the right candidates may not be actively looking for a job.

Here’s the thing: many skilled trades in regional areas rely on word-of-mouth or their “black book of mates.” They’ve built strong local networks and are often fully booked, relying on repeat work rather than browsing job ads. If you’re only looking on Seek, you’re missing out on the best talent.

1. Tap into Local Networks and Communities

Think of this as getting back to basics. Regional areas thrive on community connections. Head down to the local pub, sponsor a footy team, or join local Facebook groups. It sounds old school, but it works. People in these areas trust word-of-mouth recommendations more than any flashy ad.

Real-World Tip: Use Facebook Groups

Join local Facebook groups where trades and contractors hang out. Post your job ad there with a personal touch, and you’re likely to get leads faster than through any job board. This is where your ideal candidate might be lurking—off the grid but open to the right opportunity.

2. Engage with Trade Associations and Local Suppliers

Trade associations, local suppliers, and hardware stores are gold mines for finding skilled contractors. When you build relationships with suppliers, they often know who’s available and who’s good at their craft. The same goes for local trade associations—they’ve got a network of members who might not be actively job hunting but would jump at a good offer.

Pro Tip: Leverage Supplier Networks

Have a chat with your local Bunnings or Reece Plumbing manager. They know which plumbers, electricians, and builders are top-notch and may be looking for new work. It’s an underutilised but incredibly effective approach.

3. Go Direct with Personalised Outreach

Don’t wait for the right candidate to come to you—go out and find them. Use LinkedIn for professional roles or Instagram for creative trades like landscapers or carpenters. Send a direct message and introduce yourself. Keep it personal and specific—this isn’t the time for copy-paste messages.

Example Outreach Message:

“Hi [Name], I noticed your recent project on Instagram and was impressed by the quality of your work. We’re looking for someone with your skills for a project in [Location]. Would you be open to a chat?”

4. Partner with a Specialist Recruitment Agency

If you’re short on time or don’t have the local contacts, partnering with a recruitment agency that specialises in construction and trades is a smart move. A good agency won’t just post on Seek—they’ll use their own network, social media channels, and direct outreach to find the best fit for your role.

Why Choose Critical Personnel?

At Critical Personnel, we go beyond the typical job board approach. We leverage our extensive network, social media strategies, and local knowledge to source the right talent, especially for those hard-to-fill roles in regional areas.

5. Make Use of Social Media Advertising

Targeted social media ads can reach tradespeople who may not be actively job hunting but are open to new opportunities. With platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can create ads that appear directly in the feeds of local tradespeople. Keep the ads simple, clear, and visually appealing—show a project they’d be keen to work on, and highlight the benefits of the job.

Pro Tip: Use Localised Ads

Target your ads to specific towns or regions. Mention the local area and any unique perks (like “work with a view of the hinterland!”). It makes your ad more appealing and shows that you understand the local landscape.

6. Offer Referral Incentives

One of the quickest ways to find skilled trades is through referrals. Offer an incentive to your current employees or local contacts who recommend someone who gets hired. It could be a cash bonus, a gift card, or even a free night out. This encourages your team to tap into their own networks.

7. Host a Local Hiring Event

Put yourself out there and host a hiring event at a local venue. It’s a great way to meet potential candidates face-to-face and gauge their interest and skills in person. You can make it casual—set up a barbecue, hand out some business cards, and have a chat.

Conclusion: Think Outside the Box for Regional Recruitment Success

Recruiting in regional areas requires a different mindset. It’s less about posting an ad and waiting, and more about getting involved in the community, using your network, and being proactive. Whether you’re looking for a plumber in outback Queensland or an estimator in rural Victoria, these strategies can help you find the right fit faster.

At Critical Personnel, we understand the unique challenges of regional recruitment. If you’re struggling to find the right trades, give us a call. We’ll help you go beyond the job boards and find the talent your project needs.

FAQs

What are the main challenges of recruiting in regional areas?
The main challenges include a smaller talent pool, less online presence among candidates, and higher reliance on word-of-mouth referrals.

How can I find tradespeople who aren’t on Seek?
Engage with local communities, use social media groups, and build relationships with local suppliers and trade associations.

Is social media advertising effective for recruiting trades?Yes, targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can reach tradespeople who might not be actively job hunting but are open to new opportunities.

Why should I use a recruitment agency for regional hiring?
A specialist agency has access to a broader network, understands local challenges, and can use tailored strategies beyond job boards.

What should I include in a job ad for regional roles?
Highlight the benefits of the local area, the type of work involved, and any unique perks like flexible hours or scenic work sites.