Screening Job Applicants for the Right Candidates to Interview

Now that you have posted your job, it’s time to review the resumes.? At GBS, we’ve found excellent candidates for our clients by being open-minded and going with our gut instead of the resume. We no longer rule out candidates who haven’t stayed at their company for more than 3-5 years. We have found gaps in resumes to be character builders more than dealbreakers. In fact, gaps in resumes and short stays at jobs are okay.?So, before you skip over a candidate because they didn’t move from job to job immediately, take these things and circumstances into consideration to remember applicant can be more than a resume.

Actual Average Number of Jobs for Younger Generations

Younger generations have an average of 14 jobs between the ages of 23 and 34. This is different from previous generational data, which showed just 3 to 5 job changes.

So, they need solid onboarding plans and 3-6 months of training and development, and they have the potential to be outstanding employees.

Knowing this, be sure to evaluate whether you will be retraining often because of an entry-level position or if you will keep the person in a position longer because it is a middle—or upper-management position.

Reentering the Workforce

More individuals are reentering the workforce due to divorce and the rising cost of living resulting in the need to write a resume with gaps.?

• In the GBS screening guidebook, we appreciate when this gap is replaced with the position of Household Manager.?
• These candidates have the potential to be great personal/office assistants, schedulers, and HR assistants, to name a few.
• Consider hiring for cultural fit and personality and being willing to provide additional training to give a great candidate a chance

Family Emergencies Happen

Family emergencies/need for support are taking more and more people out of the workforce

• Each time we interview, we often encounter a candidate who took time off to care for a sick or aging family member.

COVID-19 Challenges Aren't Always Obvious

The challenges brought on by COVID-19 aren’t as obvious as you think. Applicants shared how the following COVID-19 challenges have impacted their lives in relation to careers and work.

• Finding reliable childcare and understanding employers was not as easy as it had been in the past and many female applicants had difficulty finding the best fit for their family’s needs.?
• In addition, many companies went out of business 1-3 years after COVID-19, leaving loyal employees without jobs.

Physical Health, Mental Health, and Addiction Battles

Many people battle with addiction, mental health, and other physical challenges that warrant time away.

One of our best unicorns shared with us in her initial interview that she had been in and out of addiction centers. It takes the average individual 7-10 tries to focus on their mental and physical well-being before they can move on and be their best selves. She convinced us to schedule her for a second interview.

Her boss and co-workers were blessed every day she worked with them.

We hope sharing these reasons for interviewing candidates who may not look awesome on the outside will inspire you to find someone who is amazing inside and out! Feel free to ask more questions about these less-than-usual guidelines when screening candidates.?

Generational Business Strategies Resources:

Visit our website: Generational Business Strategies (genbizstrategies.com)

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/gen-biz-strategies/

Upcoming Virtual Events:

GBS Customer Appreciation Event - LinkedIn with Lindsay Shaw l August 21st, 10 AM MST l ( Registration Opens Soon)

Join us for a fun and interactive virtual event to support your branding and sales efforts for 2024. We are excited to bring you an exclusive opportunity to connect with Lindsay Shaw with Blue Spruce Ink, a LinkedIn expert, who will share valuable insights and tips on how to leverage LinkedIn for business growth.

References:

Generational Business Strategies (genbizstrategies.com)

Canva.com