Sometimes the details involved in the hiring process can be overwhelming. Multiple checklists exist, and many of them are quite helpful. But often a short reference list is all you need to make sure you’re covering all the basics.
Here’s a list of seven quick tips for hiring candidates.
1. Don’t Solely Focus on Your Needs
You want to protect your company by thoroughly screening candidates. But candidates have rights as well. Protection goes both ways. To remain fair, do your homework. Become aware of federal laws and state guidelines about the hiring process.
2. Remain Well-informed of Interview Techniques
Has it been years since you’ve trained your hiring managers? One of the best ways to streamline the interview process is to make sure your methods are up to date. Why not send your interviewers for continuing education courses or online training modules so they’ll engage in the best hiring practices?
3. Think Broadly
During the interview, avoid solely inquiring about thoughts directly related to the job position. Ask broader questions that’ll offer insight about the individual you’ll be working with. Does the candidate answer quickly or tentatively? What insights are revealed? Does he take initiative? Does he offer creative solutions when faced with challenges?
4. Listen Well
On a related note, the last thing you want is for your candidate to feel as though they scheduled an interrogation instead of an interview. When you leave space between questions interviewees have time to offer more detailed explanations. They may also think of helpful related information that might have been left out otherwise. Listening more than asking makes for a richer interview experience for you and your candidate.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Take Notes
You might think that you’ll remember all details about the interview, but that’s unlikely. A lot of your cognitive resources are being used throughout the interview. Note taking will add to the accuracy of your hiring decision.
6. Don’t Ignore Nonverbal Communication
Sometimes nonverbal answers are more truthful than verbal ones. Is the candidate fidgety or do they divert eye contact when you begin to discuss a particular topic? As you make observations of nonverbal responses, consider how well this person will fit into your company culture.
7. Do Consider Interpersonal Skills
You aren’t simply hiring someone to fulfill duties on a job description. You are hiring a future member of your company’s family. Try considering how this person will engage with existing employees. Is this person abrasive or kind? Is he attentive or dismissive? Does he cause or resolve conflicts? Here’s a list of interpersonal skills interview questions to consider.
Wrapping it Up
The hiring process is complex, but these quick tips can help you wade through the procedure. The most important thing to remember is to approach the process so fairly that neither you nor the candidate misses out on a potentially good match.
Can you think of more hiring tips to consider? Add to this list in the comments section below.