Due to the current economic conditions we are all finding ourselves in a massive skills shortage with a lack of active candidates on the jobs market so there are a number of things that you should be aware of to make the most of your recruitment process and to secure the right candidates when they come along.
When a candidate comes onto the market you will find that they are being sought by multiple companies which puts them in the envious task of being able to be more choosey as to who they finally select so if you are serious about hiring you need to have a very clear recruitment strategy and stick to it. A speedy well oiled process will give you a distinct advantage over the others as delays give other the opportunity to snatch them from your grasp.
A simple guide to a 'Well Oiled' recruitment process...
- When you receive CV's, look at them quickly and respond to the agent with your expressions of interest so we in turn can respond quickly to them to ensure their interest in your role.
- Give the Consultant Interview dates that you and your team WILL be available so that they can in turn offer the candidates specific slots. Don't forget that candidates are busy too and have to juggle things to attend interviews & meetings.
- Ensure that interviews happen on the dates you give.
- Following each interview give clear feedback within 24 hours and in turn expect feedback off the Consultant.
- Do not take too long on the various stages of the recruitment process. This looks unprofessional to the candidates and sows doubts in their minds that you are not really serious. This also give your competitors the option to find them and make them offers in advance.
- When you have seen all the candidates for the last time get your team together and decide on who (if any) you want to make an offer to and get that offer to them straight away.
- When making an offer ensure that it is made in line with the requirements the candidate made at interview. Do not try to haggle at this stage as most candidates will walk away.