A mix: referrals + targeted communities + outbound + CRM nurture + strong careers site conversion.

There isn’t one silver bullet. The best alternative is a system that creates preference and captures demand: referrals (powered by shareable role stories), role-specific communities (online and local), outbound sourcing that converts (proof-backed messaging), a segmented talent CRM with nurture, and a careers site that behaves like a landing page (clear, credible, fast to apply). Job boards can still play a supporting role, but the “alternative” is becoming choosable enough that candidates say yes with less paid amplification.