External Sources of Recruitment: External sources of recruitment means recruitment of employees from the sources outside the organisation. External sources of recruitment are given below: 

1. Advertisements: Advertisements in newspapers and journals are the most widely used method of attracting candidates for all types of jobs. Advertisements bring in a large number of applications due to wide circulation of a national newspaper. This method is convenient and economical also. 

2. Placement Agencies: Private employment agencies advertise the vacancies, receive applications, conduct interviews and short-list candidates on behalf of employers. These agencies have become a popular source for recruiting managerial and technical personnel. 

3. Employment Exchanges: Employment exchanges run by the Government are another external source of recruitment. Anyone seeking employment can get himself registered with the employment exchange. Employers notify job vacancies to employment exchanges. The exchange supplies a list of candidates to fulfil required qualifications. 

4. Gate Hiring: Small firms make recruitment at the factory gate. Workers gather at the factory gate after reading the notice of vacancies. The suitable candidates are selected. This method is used to fill temporary and casual vacancies. 

5. Unsolicited Applicants: Persons in search of employment visit offices of companies. They carry their resume and certificates. A record of such candidates may be maintained and they may be considered if there is a vacancy. Unsolicited applicants are also known as casual callers. 

6. Educational Institutions: Representatives of companies hold interviews in educational institutions and select the qualified students. This source is also known as campus recruitment. It is suitable for recruiting engineers, computer experts and managers. 

7. Jobbers mid Contractors: When workers are to be hired at a short notice and without going through the usual selection procedure, jobbers and contractors serve as a useful source of recruitment. 

8. Recommendations: Applicants introduced by friends and relatives can be a source of recruitment. When an existing employee or a business friend recommends a person, a sort of preliminary screening takes place.