Next time you need staff for IT, it could be a good idea to look beyond the tried and true job postings and try searching a little closer to home.

Instead of tapping folks who’ve risen through the IT ranks, you may find some of the best job candidates in your own Marketing, Sales, Production, Quality or even Finance divisions.

That’s the latest idea of IT industry experts who say these folks are worth considering because:

1. They already know your business. Hiring from within is often preferable and less expensive. These candidates also understand not only how your business works, but they know your company culture as well.
2. They’re better positioned for leadership. In the past, it’s been uncommon for IT folks to reach the top rung of the corporate ladder. But a leader who’s more well-rounded and has spent time on enterprise-wide projects may have a better shot.
3. You’ll run into less internal resistance for major IT undertakings. It’s easier to cut down on the “us vs. them” mentality when one of “us” used to be one of “them.”
4. IT becomes more well-rounded. The perspective and skillsets you get with folks from other departments — especially the more customer-driven ones — can help make IT better at serving users.

Tags: hiring, leadership, recruiting, staffing