Hiring new employees is a big decision – it’s not just about finding someone with the right skills and experience, but also someone who will fit in with your company culture and help your team grow. Unfortunately, not all hiring decisions are successful. In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies you can use to avoid making common hiring mistakes and build a better team for your business.
1. Define the Job and the Ideal Candidate
Before you start the hiring process, define the role you’re looking to fill and the qualities that are important for success in that position.
You should also consider your company culture and the personality traits that will fit in well with your team.
Create a job description that includes the necessary qualifications and experience, as well as the soft skills you’re looking for in a candidate. This will help you to focus on the most suitable candidates during the selection process.
2. Screen Resumes and Applications Thoroughly
Take the time to read through each resume and application thoroughly. Look for relevant experience and achievements, as well as any gaps in employment or unusual career changes. Remember: a career gap isn’t a disqualifier per se, but it does warrant a question or two to gain deeper insight into the circumstances that led to it.
Also, consider how the candidate’s skills and experience match up with the requirements of the position.
3. Use Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral interviews are designed to uncover a candidate’s past behaviors and actions in specific situations.
By focusing on the past, you can gain insight into how the candidate may behave in similar situations in the future.
Ask questions that relate to the specific qualities and traits you’re looking for in a candidate. Use the STAR method for each question – Situation, Task, Action, and Result – to get a clear understanding of how the candidate has handled similar challenges in the past.
4. Use Background Screening
While resumes are useful to get a general picture of a candidate’s experience, you need more information if you want to make accurate and fair hiring decisions.
Background screening helps you get a better understanding of a candidate’s work history, strengths, weaknesses, and overall character.
A professional background screening company has the tools to perform the background checks you need according to your needs and those of your industry.
Remember, the more information you have about a candidate, the better equipped you’ll be to make an informed decision.
To learn more about background screening take a look at our previous blogs:
- 5 Background Screening Trends Every Business Owner Should Know
- The Importance of Documenting your Background Screening Process
- The Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Background Screening
Take Your Time
Finally, take your time when making a hiring decision. Even if you feel that you must decide quickly, rushing to fill a position can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities.
Give yourself enough time to carefully evaluate each candidate and make the best decision for your business.
Plexus Global: Background Screening Services in California and Beyond
Plexus Global is a California-based background screening company serving organizations all over the U.S. and abroad.
Contact us today by telephone (844-516-1008), email (sales@plexusglobalinc.com), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
