Hiring new employees is one of the most important investments a company can make. Finding someone who is truly a good match for an open position and your organization’s culture, however, can be challenging. Here are some tips for navigating the hiring process to help ensure you find candidates that are the right fit:
Write Detailed Job Descriptions
The first step is crafting a job description that clearly outlines the role’s core responsibilities as well as the required and preferred qualifications. Get specific so candidates understand what day-to-day work will look like and what hard and soft skills are needed to succeed. Also be upfront about company culture and values so applicants can self-screen.
Cast a Wide Net
Make sure your open position gets ample exposure by posting it across multiple free and paid job sites and your own company website or careers page. Expand your search through employee referrals, social media, and relevant professional associations. The more qualified candidates you attract, the better your chances of finding the perfect hire.
Use a Standardized Process
Create a structured interview process that allows you to evaluate all applicants consistently across standard criteria tied directly to the role and your company’s needs. Ask the same core set of competency-based and behavioral interview questions to every candidate who makes the initial screening call or interview.
Involve Other Stakeholders
Include managers, team members, or peers from the department with the opening in interviews. Gain additional perspectives on which applicants seem to have the necessary hard and soft skills, cultural fit, work styles, etc. But make sure anyone assisting with interviews is properly trained on appropriate and legal interview/hiring practices first.
Check References Thoroughly
Don’t skip checking references! Speaking to a candidate’s former managers or coworkers can provide very useful insights into strengths and weaknesses that may not be readily apparent in an interview. Pay attention to subtle cues or inconsistencies that might give you pause as well.
Trust
The hiring process requires time and deeper evaluation to land candidates with just the right match of skills, aligned values, and fit. Following these tips will help set your company up for success in your talent search. Let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any part of the article
