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Personnel acquisition:
importance and measures

Personnel acquisition is a central component of HR management and encompasses all measures for attracting new employees.

Companies are regularly faced with the challenge of attracting new talent in order to develop, build internal expertise and grow. There are many different ways to approach and convince potential applicants. 

Here you can find out what Personnel acquisition means, what Personnel acquisition options are available, what recruitment means and which measures are particularly effective.

What is Personnel acquisition?

Importance of personnel acquisition

Personnel acquisition is the process of identifying, approaching and attracting suitable candidates for vacancies in a company. The aim is to find the best talent and attract them to the company.  

The importance of Personnel acquisition cannot be overestimated. In times of skills shortages and demographic change, it is crucial for companies to find qualified employees and retain them in the long term. Successful Personnel acquisition therefore makes a significant contribution to a company's success.

Personnel acquisition options

Most companies are now aware of the importance of a sustainable personnel acquisition strategy. Nevertheless, it is precisely this task that often poses a major challenge for managers and recruiters.

Internal Personnel acquisition

In internal Personnel acquisition, vacancies are filled with employees already working for the company. This can be done through promotions, transfers or internal job advertisements. The advantages are the lower costs and the quick familiarisation of colleagues.

External Personnel acquisition

External Personnel acquisition includes all measures to attract new employees from outside the company. This includes job adverts, careers fairs, the use of a Personnel acquisition agency or online job boards. This method offers access to a larger talent pool and new perspectives.

Personnel Personnel acquisition measures

Employee acquisition through job adverts

Job adverts are still a tried and tested means of recruiting employees. They should be clearly and attractively worded and contain the most important information about the position and the requirements. Placement in relevant media and online platforms increases visibility and expands the radius of potential employees. 

Find out how best to create a job profile here!

Young man reads job adverts on the stairs
Young woman uses social media for a job application

Use of social media

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Xing offer excellent opportunities for recruiting personnel. Through targeted communication and strategic employer branding, companies can increase their attractiveness as an employer and make direct contact with potential candidates.

You can find out exactly how social media recruiting can work here.

Use of social media

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Xing offer excellent opportunities for recruiting personnel. Through targeted communication and strategic employer branding, companies can increase their attractiveness as an employer and make direct contact with potential candidates.

You can find out exactly how social media recruiting can work here.

Young woman uses social media for a job application

Personnel acquisition through Personnel acquisition agencies

Personnel acquisition agencies support companies in their search for suitable candidates. They have extensive networks and can present suitable applicants quickly and efficiently. This saves time and resources and increases the hit rate. 

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Three people networking at a career fair

Career fairs and networking

Career fairs offer the opportunity to talk directly to potential applicants and present the company as an attractive employer. Networking events and industry events are also valuable opportunities for recruiting personnel.

Career fairs and networking

Career fairs offer the opportunity to talk directly to potential applicants and present the company as an attractive employer. Networking events and industry events are also valuable opportunities for recruiting personnel.

Three people networking at a career fair

Active Sourcing

Active sourcing refers to the proactive search for and approaching of potential candidates who are not actively looking for a job. This is often done via professional networks such as LinkedIn or Xing. Through active sourcing, companies can specifically approach specialists who perfectly match their requirements. 
Mature employee responds to an active sourcing enquiry on their mobile phone
Man sits in his study and recommends an employee to others

Employee referral programmes

Employee referral programmes use the network of existing employees to find new talent. Employees who successfully recommend new colleagues often receive a bonus. This method is particularly effective as the people recommended usually fit in well with the team and already know and appreciate the corporate culture through the contact person.

Employee referral programmes

Employee referral programmes use the network of existing employees to find new talent. Employees who successfully recommend new colleagues often receive a bonus. This method is particularly effective as the people recommended usually fit in well with the team and already know and appreciate the corporate culture through the contact person.

Man sits in his study and recommends an employee to others

Employer Branding

Strong employer branding helps companies to position themselves as an attractive employer. By presenting their corporate culture, benefits and career opportunities in a positive light, companies can attract the attention of potential candidates and increase their chances of receiving qualified applications.

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Personnel acquisition with Hays

We find the right talent for you - and support you from the job advertisement to onboarding.
50+ years of experience
500,000+ candidates
4,500+ customers

Personnel acquisition needs strategy

Personnel acquisition is a complex and continuous process that needs to be strategically planned and professionally implemented. By combining various measures and utilising modern technologies, companies can increase their chances of attracting and retaining the best talent in the long term. The importance of personnel acquisition is particularly evident in times of a shortage of skilled labour, where competition for qualified employees is becoming ever more intense.

Comprehensive service for personnel acquisition

As a company, do you need more support in your search for suitable applicants for your vacancies? Are you looking for a partner to conduct exploratory interviews for you and expect a Personnel acquisition agency to present the best talent in a focussed manner? Then Hays is the right place for you. Upload your vacancy now.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions on the topic of personnel acquisition

Personnel acquisition is the process of identifying, approaching and attracting suitable candidates for vacancies in a company.

Personnel acquisition is the process of identifying, approaching and attracting suitable candidates for vacancies in a company.


Personnel acquisition includes measures such as internal and external Personnel acquisition, job advertisements, the use of social media, Personnel acquisition agencies, career fairs, active sourcing, employee referral programmes and employer branding.

Personnel acquisition includes measures such as internal and external Personnel acquisition, job advertisements, the use of social media, Personnel acquisition agencies, career fairs, active sourcing, employee referral programmes and employer branding.


Hays supports companies in recruiting personnel by placing suitable candidates, providing comprehensive advice and support throughout the entire process and ensuring compliance with flexible working arrangements.

Hays supports companies in recruiting personnel by placing suitable candidates, providing comprehensive advice and support throughout the entire process and ensuring compliance with flexible working arrangements.


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