How Can You Find the Best Candidate for Your Organization and Role? 7 Tips to Greatly Improve Your Chances.
You’ve posted a job ad, and the resumes start pouring into your inbox. But how many of them are actually a good fit for the role? Not enough. Maybe you’re even inviting candidates who seem promising on paper but turn out to be a poor match during the interview — or worse, after they’ve already been hired.
The result? Wasted money, wasted time, and a lot of frustration.
Is It Easy to Find the Perfect Employee?
Almost never. Recruiting and screening candidates is a complex process, and often recruiters — especially those juggling multiple roles — find themselves without the right tools or experience. Here are 7 tips to help you streamline your hiring process and boost your chances of finding the ideal candidate:
Focus on the Personality — Not Just the Resume
Instead of concentrating solely on previous experience, try to understand the person behind the resume. What traits and skills will truly benefit the role? For example, in sales positions, a fast learner might be a better choice than someone with extensive experience.
Talk to Candidates About What Matters to Them
Define your target audience and their needs. For instance, students might appreciate a job that allows them to balance work and studies, while parents might prioritize flexible hours.
Keep the Hiring Process Direct, Clear, and Transparent
Transparency helps align expectations and saves time. Let candidates know what to expect at each stage and offer them a glimpse into your company through an observation day or a chat with current employees.
Come to the Interview Well-Prepared
Review the candidate’s resume beforehand, clarify the job requirements, and conduct a preliminary phone interview to save time and effort later.
Gauge Their Motivation for the Role
Ask candidates to rate their interest in the role on a scale from 1 to 10. This simple question can reveal authentic insights into their motivation.
Don’t Skip the Reference Checks
Speaking with references gives you a fuller picture of the candidate. Ask for specific examples and don’t hesitate to pose challenging questions.
Trust Your Intuition
Gut feeling plays an important role in decision-making. The impression you get during the interview often reflects how the candidate will fit into your workplace environment.