Avoid THIS When Hiring a New Employee

Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash

Every company has their own process when it comes to hiring. Some companies may be methodical in their hiring processes, while others are a bit more dynamic depending upon the candidate. There is no “right way”, and just like anything else, your hiring process will develop the more you do it.

No matter your process, try to avoid these 3 things when hiring a new candidate:

1. Placing too much emphasis on a resume

Yes, I know this one sounds weird because we have been taught that your resume is the gatekeeper for a new role. But, a resume can only express so much. There may be relevant experience that is not included in the candidate's resume, such as soft skills, which in many cases are just as important as hard skills. I am not saying to disregard the candidate's resume, but rather be open to discussing it further. Through a short call, you will be able to gain a better understanding of this person's experience and you may just find your next hire!

2. Making the hiring process too long

When you’ve found a candidate you feel strongly about, how can you streamline the process? Requiring a candidate to jump through too many hoops may be a deterrent on its own. Plus, good candidates are not on the market for long. If your interview process takes weeks or months to complete, they likely have been contacted with other opportunities. We want to thoroughly screen each candidate but do so efficiently. 

3. Having an inaccurate job description

Typically an inaccurate job description is from too much or too little information on the position. Candidates use the job description to qualify themselves for the role, tailor their resumes, and prepare for interviews. If the job description does not accurately represent the role, you’ll receive candidates who do not either. 

These are a few key points that can be assessed and altered throughout the hiring process. Keeping an open mind through every step in the hiring process will help you to quickly identify and find your next great hire.


Written byEmily Onheiser, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC


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