How Interviewing to the Maximum Can Find The One!

Businesses are currently battling a candidate-driven jobs market when searching for talent. There are more jobs than job seekers, so it’s more important than ever for managers and HR professionals to ensure they’re maximizing interviews to secure the best talent. Hiring new talent is an inevitable part of being a business owner or manager and it’s never been more complicated. The days of the simple world of reviewing applications and CV’s then conducting interviews is long gone. Its a battleground for the best and you have to be fully armoured!

Here are a 5 tips which could help you secure your number one candidate and ensure you are interviewing to the max!

1. Time waits for no one – While you need to take the time and consider if someone is the best match for your business, as the market is moving so quickly, talent is being snapped up fast, so consider if there are ways your hiring process can be streamlined to reduce the time taken to offer a job. If you’re taking the time to discuss a potential hire, the candidate may have already taken another offer, so always communicate your interest in a timely fashion. This could involve setting a transparent timeframe that you will give the candidate feedback, as this may make them more likely to wait before accepting another offer.
2. Plan out the interview – Do not blag it! It’s a good idea to plan questions prior to the interview. This ensures the right questions are being asked, allowing you to find out everything essential you need to know about the candidate. Potentially, planning the interview in advance will help get the information you need quickly, saving time and resources, and reducing the need for second interviews and follow-up calls. Second interviews can sometimes be make or break for candidates if they are seen as not necessary, so really consider the first interview collates all you need to know. Also, think about your interview panel – having a diverse panel can help to ensure you are limiting unconscious biases from the process.
3. Perfection does not exist – It is highly unlikely jobseekers will have every skill and level of experience desired for a job role, so it’s important to remain flexible when reviewing candidates. Sometimes applicants may not have the level of experience desired, their key skills may be useful within their role and will allow them to be trained to the level required – so keep an open mind. Remain flexible and evaluate each candidate on their own merits and decide if they are a good fit for the job.
4. Question Time – Once you’ve asked all the questions you want to be answered its essential you give the interviewee time to ask you questions. Not allowing the interviewee to ask questions can mean essential pieces of information slip through the cracks. Not only will the questions asked by the interviewee give you a feel for their level of interest in the role and business, but it will also allow you to gain an understanding from the candidate’s point of view, meaning you can streamline your hiring process by providing the correct information and asking the right questions in the future.
5. Research the Candidate – One of the more valuable interview tips for employers is to have an understanding of the candidate before they walk in. Remember, you might not know the person at all. Chances are these candidates have social media profiles both personal and professional. Hop online and do some quick research. Along with reviewing their resume, look into their LinkedIn profile and see what additional information you can acquire that might help you with an interview question.  

You can’t build a great company without a great team. Learn to hire well. It’s a skill that can be learned. Serial successful business owners cite their recruiting and hiring ability as the number one attribute to their success.