The American workplace has shifted dramatically as a result of the global pandemic, making hiring practices more important than ever before. Employers are under extreme pressure to find great talent, while new employee hires and employee retention rates have plummeted. These factors are affecting time-to-hire rates, with many jobs going unfilled after 30, 60, and even 90 days.
With employers now competing in an increasingly limited pool for the same top candidates, they can no longer rely on outdated tactics or old processes to connect with great talent. Founder Luke Doubler of RecruiterCentral helps businesses fill the gaps in their hiring processes, locating the top talent from a global workforce and delivering a strategic map to hiring leaders. The Minneapolis-based firm has emerged as industry leaders in filling difficult-to-fill positions while shortening the time-to-hire rates, saving companies the time, expense, and stress of endless hiring rounds.
As Doubler explains, traditional hiring methods – particularly at the interview stage – often fail to connect with candidates in the new work paradigm. The pandemic led many employees to leave their current positions, and sometimes entire industries, to restart their careers in positions that offer greater pay, more flexibility, and a stronger sense of purpose and value. Companies will struggle to attract these candidates without recognizing these needs.
Although there are several challenges for hiring leaders, there is also a unique opportunity for smart business owners and managers to reach their top candidates simply by adjusting their methods for engagement. By enhancing their hiring processes and tactics, business leaders can emerge as industry leaders, not only attracting but retaining the best talent from around the world.
Hire for Qualities, Not Background
While every candidate must have the baseline skills and abilities to fulfill the functions of the job, hiring managers should look for personal attributes and characteristics when considering new hires. As Doubler explains, there are many people who have the skills to complete a job – however, during the interview process, hiring managers should look for the personality factors that will lead to greater engagement and production.
Instead of asking simple questions about background and experience, hiring managers should ask candidates open-ended questions about how they might approach certain aspects of the job. Another great exercise is to ask the client to walk through a problem they solved in the past, and discuss why they made the decisions that they did. In conducting the interview more as a discussion than a rundown of previous work experience, you can gain greater insight into the candidate and make a more effective hiring decision.
Put on Your Recruiter Hat
Because this is an employees’ market, many candidates are looking for more in their next job. For some, they may be searching for a higher salary or stronger benefits package. Others may want flexibility in their work schedule, or the sense that they are working toward a greater purpose. The interview is not only a time to learn about the candidate but to sell the benefits of working with your company.
One of the most important ways that hiring managers can accomplish this is to clearly explain how the candidate’s role connects to the larger mission of the company. Every employee wants to be part of something bigger — to know that their contribution has true meaning and value. By showing them that aspect of the job, along with the traditional benefits of working for the company, hiring managers will create a stronger connection with their potential new hire. This has tremendous value not only in securing new employees but in strengthening retention rates.
The New World of Hiring
Although the world has shifted due to the various outcomes of the global pandemic, dynamic companies have the opportunity to set themselves apart in the hiring market. If they can become more creative with their hiring practices, they will attract and retain the top talent in their industry.
For those businesses that want to enhance their hiring practices, Luke Doubler and RecruiterCentral can help with a variety of recruitment services. To learn more about how RecruiterCentral is helping companies adapt and thrive in a changing marketplace, visit www.recruitercentral.io.