5 Things to Look for When Recruiting Quality Candidates – HR Affiliates Blog
It’s impossible to grow a business you are proud of and do it on your own. Although some may try, it’s pretty tough and the odds are stacked against you. If you talk to business leaders at growing companies, you will see a few things in common. Most will tell you that they couldn’t have built their company without adding top talent every step of the way. The best leaders find themselves in a position they must add to their Team and they go out and find and hire the best workers to help them live their dream.
Company leaders view a new employee as an investment, and like every other investment, the expectation is that there will be a financial return over time. What a lot of companies don’t give enough regard to is the financial aspect of hiring. The cost of searching, interviewing, hiring the best candidate and then training a new employee is substantial. Wages, taxes and benefits are the bulk of the costs but don’t forget some of the other indirect costs. Employees also require desks, computers, phones and related equipment. Growth companies in particular can’t afford to lose time, money and results from a bad hiring choice. With this cost at stake, don’t you want to make sure you recruit the highest quality candidates?
So, what should you look for when recruiting Top Talent?
Hiring is tough. Most employers will tell you that when it comes to adding new talent, many turned out to be major contributors, but some didn’t work out. Studies have shown the cost of one bad hire at anywhere from $25-50,000. Everyone looks for different strengths with their new hires. Many people only look for the candidate with the best skills, experiences and ability to match a job description. Others would sooner zero in on those without prior experience so they can start fresh without the burden of past practices that may not be “in synch”. Top companies have come to realize there are several considerations to hire the best. The top 5 areas cited are:
Competency
Are they competent? Yes, this is still major and most top companies will list as one of the most important factors to consider. Don’t hire somebody that is lacking the skills, experiences and education required for the job.
Looking For a Home
Are they in it for the long haul? Find this out. Are they serious about joining you for the long term? The employment market is tough so make sure your candidate isn’t just passing through, always looking for something better. Look at past jobs and time spent at each as an indicator, but also ask open ended questions that will elicit responses to their long term plans.
Team Player
Will they “play well in the sandbox”?This is critical. It’s too important particularly in a small office environment. Ask yourself if the candidate will get along with colleagues, and equally important, can he or she get along with existing and potential clients. Will there be harmony between you, other members and the new person?
Culture Alignment
Do they match up with your culture?Culture is based on certain values and expectations that influence the behavior of the organization. Every company has a certain culture or way that people behave and interact with each other. Those that don’t fit in may be disruptive and difficult.
Attitude
How does their attitude come across? Can you tell if they are honest and value a strong work ethic? Are they above reproach? Do they present themselves as a team player or will they be more inclined to “fly solo”? Do their values align with yours? Make sure your interview questions dig deep into this area.
If you want to recruit the best, thoroughly explore these 5 important areas with each candidate. One of the most important decisions you make is hiring the right people to represent your business. That’s why forward thinking companies realize there are many benefits to outsourcing their recruiting. According to Frontline Source Group, as many as 90% of companies use a recruiting and staffing service. Whether you are looking to outsource all or part of your recruitment process, or you need to find those key individuals to round out your team, recruitment consultants have the experience and resources to help.
For assistance with any or all of your human resource needs, HR Affiliates provides solutions that fit any company.