How to Win Over Hot Job Candidates
Recruiting Best Practices: Produce a Complete and Accurate Job Description
If the position doesn’t clearly state the full range of duties and objectives, prospects may look elsewhere due to uncertainty over expectations.
Recruiting Best Practices: Provide Job Description in Advance
So interviewees can directly describe how they can satisfy the various requirements.
Recruiting Best Practices: Do Your Homework
Review LinkedIn and other online resources to find out who the candidates are—and craft questions that specifically reference their bios.
Recruiting Best Practices: Give a Pre-Interview Itinerary
This should include when and where the interviews will take place, how long they’ll last and who (with titles) will be taking part. If a test is involved, give a heads-up about that, too.
Recruiting Best Practices: Make a Great First Impression
Make sure the receptionist greets candidates warmly. Encourage employees to make a point of smiling and saying “hello” to the candidate.
Recruiting Best Practices: Be Prompt
It’s unprofessional to make candidates wait beyond scheduled interview start times—and it casts negative light upon your company culture.
Recruiting Best Practices: Allow No Interruptions
Turn off the cell phone and e-mail notifications. Put your office line on “Do Not Disturb.” Don’t let a computer screen stand between you and the candidate. Focus entirely on the discussion.
Recruiting Best Practices: Have Materials Ready for the Handoff
If interviewees receive company materials before leaving, they may well conclude that their time really mattered to you and the department.
Recruiting Best Practices: Display Your Company Colors
Speak about your department and organization’s purpose and accomplishments with pride. Talented professionals are motivated by the intrinsic value of the employer and the associated work.
Recruiting Best Practices: Always Close With a Next Steps Summary
Candidates don’t want to be left in limbo. Explain what will happen next and when. Don’t drag in making a decision or, if needed, scheduling a follow-up interview.
