Hiring is one of the most important functions of any business, so it's no surprise that many companies take months to find the right candidates. But there are ways to ensure a positive hiring experience regardless of the outcome - here are our top tips.
1. Develop a strong employer brand
Jobseekers are no longer only motivated by monetary gains, they care about work culture and are drawn to brands that are authentic and are making an impact on society. All candidates hitting that apply button experience a moment with your company, so don't leave them hanging! They likely won't have anything good to say to their friends if their experience is negative. Commit to responding to applicants even when they’ve not been successful and you’ll be amazed how much appreciation you get for letting them know where they stand.
2. Use social media to your advantage
Many companies fail to use social media in a way that reaches the right people. Social media can be a powerful tool for finding the right candidate but it should be used as just one tool in an overall recruitment strategy. Remember that what you post on social media is permanent so always ensure it aligns with your company culture and values! Many candidates regardless of if they’re working with a Recruiter, will do their own research. Just like buying a product, future employees will check your Glassdoor, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts for insight on what it’s like to work with you.
3. Know what your interview process looks like
Before any job advertisement goes up, you should know what the stages are before you make the hire. How many rounds will there be? How many people will need to be involved? Make sure to have this structure set out before conducting interviews, as an unstructured interview process can make your company look bad.
4. Be patient but not too patient
It takes time to find candidates that align with your culture and values but don't wait too long before moving them along the application process. Taking your time will only lead to frustration for everyone involved - especially when the candidate is actively interviewing elsewhere. If you are taking too much time (see point 3), they may lose interest in working with you altogether. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that you're reaching out to all applicants within 2 weeks after receiving their applications and communicating with them regularly throughout this period (i.e., once per week).
5. Communicate, regardless of the outcome
Whether it’s a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, communicate with your candidate. Honesty and feedback will go a long way for your professional relationship and your employer brand - you never know who you’ll work with in the future.
Hiring the right people for your company is one of the most important and stressful tasks a business owner can face, and these are just some of the ways you can ensure a positive hiring experience. Working with the right Recruitment Consultant specialised in your industry can help take a lot of the headache away.
An external resource familiar with your company to partner with you on the hiring journey, pre-screening candidates, and giving you strategic advice on who will be a good fit! If you are hiring, let us know how we can help.