In more ways than one, the search for a perfect candidate is a lot like the search for a perfect romantic partner. Whether we’re looking for something long term or temporary, we set forth into the world hoping and believing that our match is out there. Somewhere in a vast field of suitors and not-quite-right partners, there’s an ideal person who’s looking for us just as hard as we’re looking for them.
To make the search a little easier for both of you, and to shorten the winding, rocky path to true happiness, here are a few steps to keep in mind:
- Accentuate the positive. As you draft the text of your job post, use the kind of tone and language you’d use in an online dating profile. In other words, sell yourself while also being clear about what you’re looking for. Highlight the benefits of your workplace and culture. Is your company “fun”, “innovative”, “traditional”, or “competitive”? Choose accurate but positive words to describe what it’s like to work in your organization.
- Be honest. While you pitch your company’s benefits, don’t stretch the truth. Lies and exaggerations may lure talented applicants to submit a resume, but as soon as they get a hint of the truth, off they’ll go. This is no way to start a promising relationship off on the right foot.
- Communicate your needs clearly. And while you do so, keep your ears open. Be very straight with the candidate about what this job will entail on a daily basis, and use meaningful interview questions in order to determine both her willingness and ability to face these tasks and challenges. At the same time, you’ll want a candidate whose long term goals align with yours. So don’t wait for her to tell you what these goals are. Ask. And really listen to the answers.
- Don’t get stars in your eyes. If you find yourself mesmerized by a candidate’s promising qualities, that’s fine. But don’t fall under a spell that makes you miss or ignore serious red flags.
- When you’ve made a decision, act fast. Once you’ve found your match and made up your mind, don’t hem and haw. The longer you wait around, the more you give your competitors an opportunity to swoop in. Make your feelings known, draft a formal offer, cut through the red tape, and be ready to sign on the dotted line before she gets away.
Finally, remember the golden rule of every transaction in the professional world: To earn respect, show respect. Treat your candidates the way you’d like to be treated in turn. Make sure your application process is smooth and hassle-free, and don’t demean candidates, bait them, treat them rudely, or subject them to more than three rounds of interviews. During the entire process, show all of your applicants the respect, courtesy and consideration they deserve.
For more tips on finding the perfect candidate, contact the staffing experts at High Profile!