1. Referral Program

Russell said solution providers should consider making a paid referral program available not only to current employees but also to anyone in their social or professional networks.

He provided the example of a former accountant whose company offers between $5,000 and $6,000 to anyone inside or outside of the company who makes a successful referral of someone who stays with the company for at least 90 days.

“If you keep them [the referred hire] past 90 days, it’s your fault. If they fail the first 90 days, it’s ‘Sorry, I’m not going to pay you [the referrer],’” Russell said.

Although some companies will pay upwards of $5,000 for a successful referral, Russell said $500 to $1,500 is a far more common – and acceptable – payment size.

Wentworth said Fusion IT currently focuses on recruiting from within, and is looking to institute a paid referral program.