Many employers are surprised to find out that their hiring requirements are negatively impacting their search for new candidates. While knowing what you’re looking for is never a bad thing, compiling a never-ending list of skills and qualifications can actually hurt your hiring process more than it helps.
The most effective job postings are clear, concise and well written. They are detailed and give prospective candidates a complete picture of the type of individual that a company is looking for.
And, most importantly, they avoid a long laundry list of unrealistic requirements.
So, how do you write a realistic posting?
The first step is to identify what your company really needs. Conduct a thorough analysis of your current team and figure out where the skills gaps are. When you don’t fully understand your own needs, it’s tempting to just start rattling off a list of qualifications that you think a new employee should have. This strategy often discourages great candidates from applying simply because they don’t meet every last one of your requirements.
Another key thing to remember is that hiring a talented employee that learns quickly is always better than hiring a so-so employee just because they match a list of requirements on paper. Write a posting that encourages creative thinkers to apply. Or that invites applications from outgoing and motivated professionals. While you can still specify a handful of qualifications and skills that your company requires, this way you aren’t limiting your candidate pool prematurely. Instead, you’re opening it up to only the best and most exciting professionals on the market.
More often than not, it is extremely advantageous to rely upon outside workforce specialists. By partnering with a top recruiting firm, you will be able to tap into years of experience in staffing. They will be able to assist you in identifying both your short-term and long-term hiring needs, positioning you to be more strategic in your workforce planning.
For more great tips on how to keep your hiring wish list realistic, contact Employment Professionals Canada. We know all about the hiring process and would be happy to help you!
