Finding the right candidate for the right position is one of the most difficult tasks in recruitment and retention efforts and is without a doubt the very foundation of a successful team and culture. While selecting good job candidates is a lengthy and costly process, it can actually save money in the future by reducing turnover and improving retention. With today’s competitive and frenzied job market, how can companies better ensure they’re finding their next best employee?
Start at the Beginning
Improving candidate selection may involve looking at the process with a fresh set of eyes, especially if it hasn’t been changed or upgraded for a while. Some areas to review include:
- The application itself
- The process of applying for the job
- Background check
- The interview
- Skills assessment
- Preparing a job offer
- Making a final hiring decision
With so many moving parts, all of which are important in the process, it may be smart to dust off each step and look for ways to improve them.
Skills and Values Matter
Depending on so many factors like geographic location, talent pool, and wage and benefits packages, it can be challenging to identify a candidate who fits the bill. The “best” choice ideally should be the candidate who is the most skilled in their position and shares the core values of the company. Obviously, for a candidate to be taken seriously, he or she must possess a good skill set and prove to be competent in their area of expertise. Beyond this, the best candidate will also display character, principles and beliefs about their role in the company, and these should be taken seriously in making the final hire decision.
Finding the Right Balance
Beyond skills and values, it’s important to assess the candidate’s willingness to learn, their overall attitude about work and life, their personality, and their cultural fit. If each of these qualities is not truly evaluated, the end result might be a bad hire, a waste of time and an expensive mistake – all of which are bad for the candidate and the hiring organization.
Final Thoughts on Improving Candidate Selection
Improving candidate selection involves a juggling act that begins with the application and ends in welcoming the employee to their new workplace. While there are so many steps in choosing the ideal candidate, start by analyzing each component of the process to ensure they are maximized. Evaluating the candidate’s skills, values and cultural fit should better ensure hiring the right person for the job.