The staffing world is a speed world. Customers need candidates for positions they wanted filled yesterday. They demand a fast response and deserve to get it.
Even in this slowed economy, job growth is still real, as recent unemployment figures show. Businesses, therefore, are still competing for talented employees.
Many companies, however, are losing this race because they cannot make hiring decisions fast enough.
Today’s best candidates have a multitude of employment choices to choose from. They often have more than one employment offer and are usually never available for long. Whether hiring a permanent or contract candidate, the speed of a company’s hiring process determines its ability to recruit and employ such a workforce.
A streamlined hiring process is a distinct advantage over competitors. Once employers have a resume, they should move on that hiring opportunity. If they cannot, they are giving their competitors a head start on hiring that candidate.
Here are a few suggestions that will help if a company is not up to speed.
- Have a hiring plan. A good plan defines the interview and hiring process, who is involved, the paperwork, the benefits and marketing materials required, etc. Make sure the company has each piece of this process ready to go at all times.
- Keep it simple. Involve as few employees and steps as possible throughout the hiring process. Remove all unnecessary procedures that will delay a decision on the candidate.
- Set deadlines. Set up tight deadlines for each step of the hiring process. Companies should be able to move to the next step of the hiring process within one business day.
- Be flexible. Set up interviews outside of regular business hours or alternate interviewing locations if necessary. Remember, think fast and flexible.
- Involve time saving tools. Using online background and reference checking services can save days, even weeks of time. Use interviewing teams if several people need to interview a candidate.
- Decide. Meet quickly with others involved with the hiring process, and make a decision as soon as possible after each interview. If the hiring decision has to take a couple of days, then be sure to stay in contact with the candidate. If a decision on a candidate can be made prior to them leaving the premises, do it.
These suggestions are not difficult or expensive to implement. It is, basically, a change of philosophy with the company hiring process.
A streamlined hiring process has a company always poised and ready. This is a positive, as great talent does not just become available only when the company is hiring. Filling these important personnel roles faster will help build a strong and dynamic company. It also should put the company in the forefront of the talent race. IBI
