While employers should certainly look for the best in their candidates, hiring managers also have to make sure they are providing a positive experience to potential employees in an effort to display the company in a good light. We at CAREERXCHANGE always hear from the employer about what is wrong with the candidates, however, many candidates are frank with us and tell us why they didn’t like the company as well.
Employers should always make sure they are presenting themselves to candidates in a professional manner that will aid in attracting the right person, hopefully helping to improve the company’s overall efficiency and success. Being kind and cordial, dressing professionally, and holding interviews in noise-free environments are all ideal ways of presenting a company in the best light during an interview.
Here are a few good interview practices that any employer can implement in their hiring strategy:
Ask relevant, specific questions related to the position at hand.
Rather than listing general hiring inquiries, ask questions about how the candidate will fulfill the qualifications set forth for the position. Employers should have a set number of unique questions that they always ask candidates ready, almost like a cheat sheet. This preparation will display how seriously the company takes the position, helping the candidate feel as though their role will be valued. If questions are uninteresting, bland, and broad, employers run the chance of losing great candidates.
Don’t waste anyone’s time.
The time of hiring managers and employers is sacred, but so is the candidates’ time. Many are searching for jobs through various avenues and are pursing job leads. Employers should clear their calendar for the time allotted and pick a room where both parties can sit together and focus on the interview. Also, if multiple people are involved in the interview process, try to arrange to have as many people there as possible on the same day so the candidate does not have to come back to the office multiple times. In this market, the candidate will continue to interview with other companies while they wait for the second or third interview; they may get an offer before the other company has their act together.
Be attentive and a good listener.
When employers make eye contact with candidates and listen attentively when they are asking or answering questions, it shows the company values others’ viewpoints, concerns, and contributions. Strong candidates want to work for employers who focus a great deal of attention on their employees, so making sure that communication skills are emphasized to hiring managers is key to attracting top talent.
Thank the candidate and follow up.
At the end of every interview the employer should always thank the candidate for their time and tell them when they can expect to hear back from them even if they are not under consideration. This little sign of respect goes a long way. They should confirm the contact details of the candidate, such as email and phone number, so no communication gets lost. Next, when a candidate has been chosen, all parties should be followed up with, including the ones who did not get the job. Offer positive encouragement and suggest that even though they did not get the job, they were qualified for the position and thank them for their interest in the company. It helps keep their confidence up and you, as an organization, stay in their good graces.
At CAREERXCHANGE, we are leaders in helping companies create successful, talented teams. We know how to bring together experienced talent to fulfill a company’s business goals, regardless of the industry. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!