10 Steps to Decrease the Time Spent on the Hiring Process

There has been a noticeable increase in the time it is taking to get candidates through the hiring process. In a recent article by Scott A. Scanlon – “Why is Hiring Taking Longer?” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-hiring-taking-longer-scott-a-scanlon he outlines many of the reasons it is taking so much longer for companies to on-board their staff.

At Brookwoods Group we try to find ways to help you decrease the time spent in the hiring process.

Step 1.  When the need for talent is recognized, make sure ALL internal teams affected by this decision are all on the same page pertaining to job requirements and competencies.

Step 2.  Secure approval to spend before the job is released to a staffing firm

Step 3.  Devote more time on developing a performance-based job description--not just a laundry list of accountabilities--including quantitative quarterly expectations. (See Lou Adler, the originator of the performance-based hiring.)

Step 4.  Develop an “ideal candidate” profile and give more space to required and ideal soft skills.

Step 5.  If assessments are required (decide on which ones and present these in the job description).  Most importantly determine this information up front before the job is released for posting and not during the hiring process.

Step 6.  Determine who is going to be included in on the interviewing process, what interviewing procedure(s) will be used, and how many interviews must take place before a decision is made.

Step 7. Make sure the individuals who will be involved in the interview process have time on their calendars to conduct the interviews or appoint a proxy for times when they cannot participate.

Step 8.  Decide on a hire date before the job is released for posting.

Step 9. Set aside time to meet regularly with your staffing firm to review specifications, potential candidates and market feedback.

Step 10. Remember the people you will be interviewing are also assessing your company’s integrity during the interviewing process.  The outcome of their experience can appear on social media sites such as Glassdoor.com. Be prepared for the interview.

Starting a new employee is an exciting time for your company - make the hiring process just as exciting.