Hiring is challenging. Often, you only have a limited amount of information about the candidates, which isn’t always ideal. Plus, you have to move quickly, which is typically a daunting prospect.
If you don’t use the right hiring approach, it’s easy to make a mistake. Then, you’re stuck with a subpar new hire, and that can be detrimental to productivity.
Luckily, it is possible to make smart decisions while moving fast. If you want to avoid hiring mistakes, here’s what you need to know.
Don’t Overvalue First Impressions
When you initially meet a candidate, you form an opinion about them. For example, a firm handshake and eye contact might make you assume that the job seeker is confident and capable, even though they haven’t provided you with additional evidence that that is the case.
While you don’t have to completely ignore your first impression, don’t overvalue it either. You shouldn’t be using an interview as a means of validating what you initially believe. Instead, you should attempt to assess the candidate from a neutral perspective during the meeting, ensuring a snap judgment doesn’t influence how you perceive the remainder of the experience.
Transparency Leads to Better Hires
It isn’t uncommon for companies to avoid sharing specific details during the hiring process. For example, you may be hesitant to discuss the full nature of the duties and, instead, focus on only the most exciting aspects. Similarly, you might avoid listing the salary range, either to keep competitors from discovering it or to try and broaden your talent pool.
The issue is that this lack of transparency can lead to poor hiring decisions. Failing to disclose the true nature of the role means that you may not connect with candidates who have the right skill set and the desire to take part in that kind of work. A lack of a salary range could lead you to waste time interviewing candidates who would never accept the pay you’re willing to offer.
If you want to find a strong match fast, then embrace transparency. By being upfront and honest, you increase the odds that those who apply have the right skills and a willingness to take on the job’s duties for the pay you are prepared to offer.
Your Culture Needs to Be Front and Center
Culture fit is critical when hiring if a candidate won’t mesh with your workplace, the odds that they’ll become a top performer decrease dramatically.
When you launch your search, include details about your company’s culture in the job ads. Additionally, highlight aspects of it online, such as on the organization’s website and social media pages. That way, this information is highly accessible.
Since most candidates review information about company cultures before they apply, those who send in a resume likely know what you have to offer in that regard. As a result, there’s a more substantial chance that they feel your culture is a match for their needs, making it more likely that they’ll feel at home if hired.
Ultimately, all of the tips above can make avoiding hiring mistakes easier. If you’d like to learn more, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us today and see how our hiring expertise can benefit you.
