Attracting and then assessing potential employees can be a major time sink. If you’re determined to handle the hiring process internally there are a number of ways you can speed up your talent search.
Whilst you’re focussing on speeding up your hiring process remember that you shouldn’t be judging your efforts based on a simplistic metric such as the ‘number of applications received’. Instead, always maintain a focus on the overall quality of your recruitment process which will lend itself to securing a successful hire.
Ultimately, if you do attempt to speed up your hiring process by implementing the following methods, it’s always a good idea to keep that old phrase in mind: quality over quantity.
1. Inbound & Candidate Database
Before you put out any job adverts it’s always a good idea to have some form of system in place for inbound talent acquisition. You don’t necessarily have to invest in any candidate-sourcing software. Your system could simply be a “Careers” page on your website that has an online form or you could set up an email address or filter on your primary company email address specifically for applicants.
Even if you’re not currently advertising an open role, it’s good practice to allow interested candidates to submit their CVs. In this way, you lay the foundations for building a candidate database that you can refer back to when a position does open up.
2. Social Hiring
Social media can be used to showcase your business’s culture and begin building relationships with potential employees. Posts that highlight examples of investments in the professional growth of your employees can go a long way in attracting new employees.
When it comes to the candidate/company fit, social media is one way of helping candidates make an initial assessment. It won’t hurt to post your job ads on social media either.
3. Leverage Your Team’s Network
Continuing with the bootstrapping methods or, early steps that serve as the foundation for your long-term recruitment efforts, leverage your team’s professional network by incentivising referrals.
Employee referrals are a quick way to build up your candidate database whilst also being cost-effective.
4. Write a High-Quality Job Advert
Although you might spend more time creating your job posting, you’ll save time during the screening process. A high-quality advert that includes plenty of detail gives the reader an accurate idea of what the job entails as well as the necessary skills and experience.
Take the time to think through what skills are necessary to succeed in the role. An honest job ad is the best way to attract the most suitable candidates. You’ll receive fewer applications but you’ll ensure that applicants have a good idea of the role they are applying to which will expedite your screening process and increase the likelihood of a successful, long-term hire.
5. Optimise The Application Process
Of course, optimising the application process will take different forms depending on the role and industry, however, when making the application process easier is a surefire way of speeding up the hiring process.
Again, you have to be mindful of balancing quality and quantity here but an easier application process will lead to a higher number of applicants over a shorter time period. Consider the average time it takes to complete the application process, as well as the ability for candidates to apply using their smartphones.
6. Incorporate Video or Telephone Interviews
In-person interviews take more time to coordinate, as geographical distance and travel time, have to be taken into account. Being more flexible with your interview process, by incorporating video or telephone interviews into your process can save time whilst also increasing the likelihood of attracting talent from further afield.
7. Set a Criteria & Stick to It
Set clear criteria for the skills and experience you’re looking for in candidates and don’t deviate from it. With every job posting, there will be applications from candidates who don’t meet the criteria in some of them. Adding them to your candidate database won’t hurt but focus on interviewing those candidates who do meet the criteria you set out.
Offering interviews to candidates who don’t meet your criteria can slow down your recruitment process and is more of an indicator that some part of your process hasn’t been effective.
8. Contract Recruitment Specialists
Although it’s possible to handle many elements of your recruitment process in-house if you’re looking to speed up your hiring process you’d do best to contract an expert. Speed is an important factor but, at a minimum, you should be aiming for an effective hiring process.
An effective hiring process is one that connects you with suitable candidates. If you’re aiming to combine effectiveness with efficiency then a recruitment agency is the way to go.
If you’re looking for your dream candidate, get in touch with us here.