Having two strong candidates interested in your company is a good problem to have. However, as an employer, the decision of who to choose can keep you up at night. When faced with two candidates who interview well and have outstanding work history, time is of the essence. The following are some ways to select the right candidate for your company.
Think of the Big Picture
While both options may seem ideal for the current position, take into consideration the long-term possibilities. For example, which candidate is more likely to stay around longer? Does one candidate have more leadership potential? Is there a candidate with skill sets that are relevant to other departments? Imagining the long-term impact of hiring either applicant can help in painting a clearer picture.
Workplace Culture
The importance of choosing a candidate that fits in well with the workplace culture is often overlooked. While one job seeker may fit the bill when it comes to the position, this may not be the case for how they interact with others in your company. For instance, if you have a job listing for a PERM advertising position in the Bay area, and one candidate has a strong background in conflict resolution, they may be more favorable than another candidate who has less experience working under this type of pressure.
Consider Effort and Enthusiasm
A job applicant’s effort and enthusiasm are difficult to gauge on paper. During the interview process, take note on how excited they seem about the position and how much effort they have made in order to get to where they are. Noticing how each candidate asks questions and follows up after the interview can shed light onto their overall enthusiasm for your job offer. Hiring a person who is excited and invested in your company can be extremely beneficial for you company and the workplace environment.
Ask Honest Questions
In order to truly find a good fit, don’t be afraid to ask applicants some difficult questions. Understanding what each applicant’s expectations are for the position will reveal if these needs can be met from both sides. Another question worth asking is what would hold a candidate back when it comes to accepting your offer. These honest questions will help achieve realistic solutions and demonstrate to applicants that your company values transparency and is willing to work with their employees.
Hiring in the Bay area can be a competitive process but taking the time to understand your applicants and your company from all perspectives will help guide you in the right direction.
