MightyRecruiterHow to Turn Good Recruiting into Great Recruiting
Imagine what would happen if everyone always settled for good instead of striving for great. Countless works of literature, music and theater might never have been created. Pivotal scientific discoveries might still be a few more failed trials away. Icons that changed the world might never have been discovered. When it comes to recruiting, settling for good enough can mean having hiring practices that continually result in candidates that are merely acceptable. It isn’t that outstanding, rockstar candidates do not exist, it’s that your recruiting methods simply are not where they need to be to attract them. If you want to transform your good recruiting into great recruiting you need to put in the time to change and refine your strategy. Here are four actionable tips that you can use to take your recruiting to the next level.
Check Your Biases; Shake Up Your Habits
One thing is certain: You cannot expect to find a different breed of candidate if you continue to use your old, ineffective methods. Over time, you may have developed a specific idea of what the right candidate looks like. For instance, you may unconsciously believe that people with a certain type of education are better candidates than others. Maybe you are unaware of a bias against people that you deem to have too many recent jobs, have switched industries recently or who have a nontraditional work history. Become aware of any internal biases you have created then begin to view new candidates with an open mind. Do not rule out candidates just because they do not have a traditional job history. You might find your next stand-out salesperson, outstanding brand manager or world-class account executive if you learn to accept all types of candidates. This is just one of the ways that you can change good recruiting into great recruiting.
Look For Innate Traits, Not Job-Specific Buzzwords
These days, technology allows recruiters and hiring managers to automate the recruiting process by inserting resumes into programs that scan for specific buzzwords. Unfortunately, this is not a fool-proof process. Similar to search engine optimization experts, the candidates that pass this test may simply be good at describing their experience using the right words. It is easy to forget the human side of recruiting when technology and automation save so much time. A candidate whose resume does not immediately stand out may hide talents and skills that simply need to be developed by the right job and the right mentorship. Change good recruiting into great recruiting by bringing the human element back into play.
Ask the Right Questions in the Interview
Resumes only tell a small part of the story. It is just as common to find a candidate that does not live up to the picture they painted in their resume as it is to find a candidate whose resume drastically undersells their capabilities. Employers should learn to ask the right interview questions to uncover who a candidate truly is. Consider this advice for more effective, revealing interviews:
-Ask open-ended questions that result in discussion.
-Ask questions that prompt interviewees to take about their core values and passions.
-Be clear about the tough aspects of the job. If the candidate still wants the job after hearing how hard it is, you may have identified your next great employee.
-Pay attention to the questions that your interviewee asks you.
Changing the way employers interview potential employees is a big part of turning good recruiting into great recruiting. Asking the right questions can help you understand more about who the candidate is and result in a more fitting hire.
Find New Avenues to Search for Talent in
Maybe you have not been able to move from good recruiting into great recruiting because you are looking for candidates in the wrong places or not making the most of non-traditional channels. Social media is growing in popularity as a way for recruiters to find great candidates and build relationships with prospective employees. Try using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or other networks to hunt for your next awesome hire. Using online platforms to find new employees is also a great way to research people and learn more about their skills and history before contacting them.
Do you want to change your recruiting or stay the same If you want to turn good recruiting into great recruiting, your only choice is to change. Shaking up your recruiting strategy may be the key to finding those great candidates that are noticeably absent right now. Try one or more of these strategies, then tap into the other great, business-building advice available to you on Mighty Recruiter.