As companies recruit and job seekers hunt there are more and more steps to the process of hiring/getting hired successfully. Many of us have been on both sides of that desk, and have the scars to show for it. There are more tools and systems available, but are they just busy work and hurdles, or do they add to the process?
As an employer, you are trying to find the best candidate without having to spend months in the process. In this job environment, the applicants are just looking for a chance to join a company and contribute (and, let’s not forget, get a paycheck!). Making the connection is important, but more difficult all the time.
The process starts with the job posting and job application. This may be on a company site, public job site, ..or just word of mouth. As an applicant, what if you are one of many resumes that company receives? How do you get to the top of the pile? As an employer how do you sort through the pile and find the best? That is the art form.
Networking is one of the best ways to find good jobs or talent. It is also a good way to get over some of the early hurdles to the goal. Ideally both sides have had some information that highlights the candidate and the opportunity. Companies look to employees and colleagues. The applicant’s challenge then is to meet the right person to help them get noticed. (See the blog on “Job Hunting in New Mexico”.)
Large companies with busy recruiters have started using pre-screening aptitude and attitude testing to sort through the pile. I believe the jury is still out on the value of that versus the roadblocks that the company presents to the good applicant. In addition, not just anyone can interpret the results of these tests, so now you have to employ or contract with a good test administrator to get your answers. Finally, if you don’t ask the right questions to identify your target candidate, you’ve wasted everyone’s time.Another issue: if there is a star out there, putting them through a lot of hassle just to apply for the position may cause them to look elsewhere, in a company with a friendlier system.
Recruiting right is so important for both parties in the exchange. Planning and preparation for the hiring process is the best way to reach the right decision for the applicant and the hiring entity.
Good Luck!
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