Recruiting is a busy, fast-paced field that is both an art and a science. Since it involves people, there is always potential for human error. So you definitely don’t want to sabotage your efforts by making unnecessary mistakes.
Here are three common mistakes to avoid during the recruiting process:
- Overvaluing Chemistry
Most people respond more favorably to people if the chemistry is right. In most cases, if a prospective hire has a great rapport with the recruiter during an interview, they will likely get the job. But this shouldn’t be the determining factor in making a hiring decision. In fact, studies have shown tests that measure specific skills are good predictors of success. However, the same does not hold true for a candidate’s performance during a job interview.
The truth is that many excellent workers with the right skills may not showcase their talents during an interview or may be too nervous to make the best impression. Therefore, it is important that recruiters avoid giving undue weight to “connecting” with a prospect during an interview.
- Thinking Inside the Box
Professional football coaches are often criticized for playing it safe and punting on fourth down. Why? They are afraid that if they make a risky call and fail, they will be heavily criticized. This fear is so deeply-ingrained that coaches continue to punt excessively even after advanced statistical analysis has proven that this is not the best course of action.
In the same vein, fear of blowback after making a somewhat risky hire can also inhibit recruiters from pursuing candidates who do not fit neatly into a pre-determined profile. Sometimes, the best hires are less-qualified, less-experienced and may not even work in the same industry. So if you want to find top talent, don’t be afraid to think outside the back, even if it means getting push-back from your peers.
- Unwilling to Compromise
Negotiation is a fine balancing act. Striking a deal that is attractive for the prospective employee and your bottom line is not easy. Although this is your ultimate goal, it is important to know when to be flexible. Skimping on compensation or ancillary benefits can potentially alienate the perfect candidate and derail the recruiting process. Look at the big picture and assess whether giving in on a few things will benefit your business growth in the long-term.
The Takeaway
If you want to find top talent, don’t just rely on emotion. Take a comprehensive approach to the applicant to see if their skills and personality are a good fit. This may mean you might have to think outside the box and strategically negotiate for the right candidate. If you do, you just might reap abundant rewards.
Contact us today at Duffy Group, Inc. to learn more about how we can help with your sourcing needs.