How To Attract Recruits

Schmidtmann urged IT companies dump the flowery language and go with an edgy, honest recruiting pitch.

Buzzwords such as "tough," "demanding," "constantly changing industry" or "only for a few" are likely to stand out from the crowd and attract the right type of candidates, he said.

Over the past five years, LinkedIn has become the top recruiting forum, Schmidtmann said. He encouraged applicants to use a shared connection on the site to make an introduction to the hiring manager.

Unorthodox yet successful recruiting methods for Schmidtmann have included beer carts at charitable events and inviting recruits on an evening river cruise. But his most successful way of making connections remains a round of golf.