The Essential Dos and Don’ts of Effective Hiring Best Practices

In today’s competitive job market, a company's reputation hinges significantly on how it approaches the hiring process. It's crucial for organizations to navigate this phase with professionalism and thoughtfulness to attract top talent.

Understanding the Hiring Process Beyond Just Filling Positions

Lisa Cohen, an associate professor of organizational behavior at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, emphasizes that hiring is more than merely finding employees; it’s an opportunity to cultivate networks and engage with the community. A poor experience during the interview process can tarnish a company’s image, particularly as candidates share their experiences on platforms like Glassdoor and social media. Younger generations, in particular, are quick to vocalize their dissatisfaction publicly.

To gain deeper insights into best practices for hiring, we consulted two human resources experts: Rachel Liem-Smith, assistant vice-president of talent acquisition at Canadian Western Bank, and Jermaine L. Murray, a technical recruiter and founder of Jupiter HR, which supports Black individuals in the tech job market.

Crafting the Perfect Job Description and Streamlining the Application Process

One of the key recommendations from Liem-Smith is to draft clear and precise job descriptions. Clearly outlining job expectations and responsibilities is essential for attracting the right candidates. For hard-to-fill roles, consider simplifying the application process with user-friendly options, such as one-click applications on platforms like LinkedIn. This approach can significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of applicants, as it removes unnecessary barriers.

Avoid Lengthy Interview Processes

Murray warns against the pitfalls of excessive interviews. He cites a recent instance where a candidate endured a nine-round interview process only to be rejected, leaving them understandably frustrated. Ideally, three to four interviews should suffice, and keeping panels to two interviewers can help mitigate intimidation. Additionally, interviews should ideally not exceed 90 minutes. If a longer session is necessary, incorporating breaks can maintain a positive atmosphere.

Considerate Assessment Methods

For roles requiring skills assessments, Murray advises against “putting candidates on the spot” with in-person tests, such as whiteboard coding challenges. Instead, he recommends take-home tests, which can be more conducive to showcasing a candidate’s abilities without the pressure of immediate judgment. However, these tests should remain concise, ideally lasting no more than two to three hours.

Maintain Open Communication

Both experts agree that consistent communication with candidates is crucial. Utilizing platforms like Workday can help companies keep candidates informed about their application status and when positions have been filled. Moreover, providing feedback to candidates who reach the interview stage, even if they are not selected, is essential for enhancing a company’s reputation. Liem-Smith notes that constructive feedback helps candidates understand areas for improvement, positioning the company as a supportive employer.

Handle Negotiations with Care

Murray also highlights the importance of respecting candidates during salary negotiations. Rescinding offers due to a candidate's counteroffer can create a negative perception of the organization. Open-mindedness in negotiations is vital, as it demonstrates respect for the candidate’s worth.

Don’t Fall into Complacency in a Hirer’s Market

Cohen cautions recruiters against becoming complacent due to a cooling job market. The temptation to overlook professionalism can have long-term repercussions. Maintaining a positive reputation is critical, especially when those same candidates may re-enter the job market in the future.

At Burke Recruiting Inc., we understand the importance of a strategic hiring process that not only attracts top talent but also enhances your company’s reputation. We specialize in helping organizations create efficient, respectful, and professional hiring experiences. To learn more about how we can assist you, visit us at burkerecruiting.com.

Reference: https://www.nsnews.com/human-resources-education/the-dos-and-donts-of-hiring-9722280