An often overlooked but potentially fantastic source for new hires is moms returning to work. Large companies like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have been mining this rich resource for a while. But smaller companies are often hesitant to leave the traditional pools of candidates.

Yet, when they take a chance, small businesses are realizing they too can benefit from thinking outside the usual recruiting streams.

Everyone can win

Just like in larger companies, small companies are finding highly educated, experienced candidates ready to return to work. Even with large gaps in employment, the experience from previous jobs along with the patience and multitasking moms have had to master raising children translates quickly and easily to the work environment.

In addition, many moms return to work after careful consideration of both when to come back and to what type of work. In other words, they are thoughtfully searching for work to which they are committed.

Attracting candidates

The first step in recruiting in this pool is deciding to do so and making it clear. First, look at your recruiting and screening steps. Consider adding clear statements to the job ad like: "Candidates returning to work are encouraged to apply." And when screening resumes, do not throw out candidates for large gaps in their resumes.

To take it a step further, many small employers are finding that bringing moms back at reduced or flexible hours helps ease the transition for the new employee and the cost for the employer. Thus, consider full-time positions that may be on hold for budget purposes — Could they be part time or flexible hour positions instead? For additional assistance figuring out how to make this option work, you can check out organizations like Path Forward for help.

Finally, do not overlook your current resources. If you have strong employees leaving work to take care of children, ask them to reach out to you when they are ready to return to work.

Next steps

This advice can be applied to fathers returning to work as well as candidates who have had to leave work to take care of loved ones. In any case, there are a lot of skilled workers out there who are ready to commit to entering the workforce.

Keep an open mind, and consider hiring someone from this talented pool.