It’s important to know what you are looking for when hiring, but you don't want to be so rigid in your criteria that you miss out on good candidates or make it impossible to find someone to hire. It is the HR Manager’s responsibility, and in their best interest, to develop a hiring process that allows for flexibility and room to adapt.
The good news is, incorporating more flexibility into the process of hiring candidates doesn’t have to be hard. Consider the following tips:
Use alternative methods of interviewing
Instead of bringing every potential candidate in for an in-person interview, consider alternatives like phone and video interviews. This is more convenient for candidates and hiring managers, and it makes it easy to connect with more potential candidates in a shorter period of time.
Be flexible about the order in which steps occur
If you're waiting to check references, for example, don't hold up the entire hiring process simply because you're having a difficult time getting ahold of the contacts. Move forward with the other steps in the hiring process in the order that makes the most sense for each particular candidate.
Let job-seekers know what to expect as far as communication
It’s frustrating for candidates to be left in the dark regarding their status in the hiring process. Ask candidates for their preferred method of communication and keep them updated as they move through different phases in the hiring process.
Focus on asking open-ended questions
Instead of asking questions which give candidates the chance to provide yes/no answers, make queries during interviews as open-ended as possible. Candidates typically reveal more about themselves when they have a chance to speak candidly.
Eastridge Workforce Solutions can help you to develop a flexible, effective hiring process. Give us a call today to find out how our staffing service can help you with all of your hiring needs.