Hiring new employees should be a sign that a company is growing. For too many in the HR field, though, it’s a sign that disaster is soon to happen. If you want to avoid hiring mistakes, you should follow the three steps below. They can not only guide you through the hiring process but can allow you to avoid the mistakes that can cost your company in the future.
Look at the Long Term
When you look to fill a position, take a moment to look beyond your company’s immediate needs. Too many businesses make hires based on what they need today, forgetting to prepare for what’s coming up tomorrow. If you are hiring for a programming position, for example, it’s a good idea to look at all the certifications a candidate has rather than just those you need today. If you take a long-term view for hiring, you will be able to find professionals that will fill your company’s needs in the future – and help you to avoid going through the hiring process next time you are in a crunch.
Look at the Person
You should be looking at more than just a resume when you hire. While it’s always a good idea to set up a keyword search to filter out some of the less-desirable applications, make sure that you consider the human factor when you are hiring. If you are looking for someone who is organized and good with navigating business systems, seek hires with a sizable background with years of experience or a Master’s in business administration. An applicant’s personal skills can and should be weighed during the hiring process.
When in Doubt, Call Them Back
Unless your company is in an incredible time crunch, there’s always time for you to follow up on the questions that you wish you would have asked. Don’t be afraid to make a second, or even third, interview a routine part of your process if you need time to get a better grasp of the candidate’s abilities. It will cost your company less in the long-term if you are willing to put off hiring until you are absolutely sure about what a candidate can bring to the table.
Start with a long-term view, consider the person behind the resume and get comfortable with the idea that you may need a second interview to find the perfect candidate. If you can follow those three steps, you can cut down on the number of mistakes you commit during the hiring process. With these steps and a little luck, you will be able to bring in employees that will help contribute to your company’s success.
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