Finding great employees is an employer challenge that we hear about from companies of all sizes. And it is not likely to go away anytime soon. With the job market favoring employees (there are more available jobs than there are skilled workers), employers are tasked with developing a hiring process that helps them find the best candidates in the shortest amount of time. Here are five ideas to help improve your hiring process including some from a recent article in Fast Company.
Focus on skills
Think about the specific skills that would make a person successful in the position. Build an ideal candidate profile based on these skills, before you even post the job. Make sure your job posting only lists those things that are absolutely necessary. Listing too many qualifications can make some potentially good candidates weed themselves out before even applying. You may not find someone who meets every one of your desired qualifications, so having a prioritized list of the skills you are looking for will help you find the right candidates quicker.
Reduce barriers and bottlenecks
Make sure it is easy for candidates to apply for your job. Web-based applications that are mobile friendly will help you attract the most candidates. Shorter applications, only asking the most vital questions will help you ensure that potentially good talent doesn’t walk way before you even get a chance to meet them. Make sure your hiring process is clearly defined and any unnecessary steps are removed. For example, if you want multiple people’s opinion on a candidate, consider a panel interview instead of multiple on-on-one interviews.
Utilize technology
Investing in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can help you ensure that no information is lost. It can also help you systematically narrow down the applicant pool to those that meet your ideal candidate profile. If you are interested in the Applicant Tracking System used by Helpside, reach out to one of our HR experts at humanresources@helpside.com to learn more.
Communicate
Make sure you have a communication plan for all applicants to your position. Everyone should receive some type of response, so they know here they stand. Remember that an individual’s experience applying for a job with your company can affect both your employer and consumer brands. Make sure the interaction with your organization is positive rather than negative, even for those that do not get the job, or even get an interview. An Applicant Tracking System can help you manage this easily.
Be honest
Be honest with the candidate about the company culture and expectations for the job. Don’t oversell the position. Make sure the individual you select wants to work for your company at least as much as you want them to work for you. Also, be honest with yourself about cultural fit. Someone might have all of the right skills on paper, but if they aren’t able to work well in your environment, they will not be successful.
Tightening up your hiring process can make it easier for your hiring managers to find the best people in the least amount of time. You don’t have to overhaul everything all at once. Start with one of these areas and move through the list., Overtime you will develop a process that works well for your company. Want to learn more? Check out our Recruiting Top Talent Toolkit for more tips and tricks.