What are the best candidate selection methods to identify strong communication skills?

1 Resume screening

The first step to evaluate communication skills is to review the candidates' resumes. A well-written resume should demonstrate the ability to convey information concisely, accurately, and relevantly. Look for keywords that indicate communication skills, such as presentation, negotiation, collaboration, feedback, or persuasion. Also, pay attention to the format, grammar, spelling, and punctuation of the resume, as these can reflect the attention to detail and professionalism of the candidate.

2 Phone interview

The next step to assess communication skills is to conduct a phone interview with the candidates. A phone interview can help you gauge the candidates' verbal communication skills, such as clarity, tone, fluency, and listening. You can ask open-ended questions that require the candidates to explain, describe, or share examples of their communication skills in different scenarios. For instance, you can ask how they handled a difficult client, a conflict with a colleague, or a complex project. You can also observe how they respond to your questions, whether they ask clarifying questions, and how they handle pauses or interruptions.

3 Video interview

A video interview can help you evaluate the candidates' non-verbal communication skills, such as body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. Non-verbal communication can convey confidence, enthusiasm, interest, and respect, which are important for building rapport and trust with clients and candidates. You can use a video interview platform that allows you to record and review the candidates' responses, or you can conduct a live video interview and interact with the candidates in real time. You can use similar questions as in the phone interview, but also pay attention to how the candidates present themselves visually and how they use non-verbal cues to support their verbal messages.

5 Role play

A role play can help you observe the candidates' communication skills in action, in a simulated situation that mimics the challenges and demands of their role. A role play can test the candidates' ability to communicate with different types of people, such as clients, candidates, managers, or colleagues, and to handle different types of situations, such as negotiation, persuasion, conflict resolution, or problem-solving. You can create a scenario that requires the candidates to demonstrate their communication skills, such as convincing a client to hire a candidate, resolving a complaint from a candidate, or collaborating with a colleague on a project. You can then assess how the candidates perform in terms of their verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, as well as their interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills.

By using these candidate selection methods, you can identify the candidates who have strong communication skills and who can excel in the staffing services industry. Communication skills are not only important for the success of your business, but also for the satisfaction of your clients and candidates.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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