Tips for success at hiring: Guide to finding great people
Raul Krebs
Finding the right team members isn’t just about posting a job and hoping for the best. If you want to attract top talent and avoid headaches, you need to follow some clear tips for successful hiring. These simple steps will help you build a stronger team and avoid selecting wrong candidates.
Here are 8 practical tips that we recommend implementing to your hiring processes.
Tips for success #1 – Have a clear vision and goal
One of the most important tips for successful hiring is understanding what you’re actually looking for. Map out the following: What skills are essential? What experience will make them a good fit? What are the non-negotiables of this role? Clear answers lead to better hires.
When you define your needs early, you are making your process specific and targeted. This way, your job posting will attract the right candidates, saving time and keeping the cost of hiring lower.
Tips for success #2 – Put effort into your job postings
Once you have a clear vision of who you are looking for and what's the goal of hiring, move on to creating detailed job ads. Instead of vague descriptions, talk about what makes the position and your company unique. What is your EVP (employee value proposition)?
Describe the exciting projects, the people they'll work with, and what success looks like in this role. Genuine and specific job ads attract candidates who are genuinely interested.
Tips for success #3 – Be proactive in finding candidates
Waiting for applicants isn’t enough. When posting a job ad gives you the best out of applied range, headhunting can get you top specialists and leaders that aren't actively applying but are open to new opportunities. Check LinkedIn, ask referrals, attend local meetups, and network inside the industry.
This proactive approach allows you to connect with talented people who are familiar with the industry and already have the experience and skills you are looking for in a good candidate.
Tips for success #4 – Keep the interview process efficient
A stressful or lengthy interview can drive good candidates away. Instead, keep it simple, friendly, and straightforward. Don’t over-complicate the process.
Prepare a few key questions to understand their experience and motivation. The interview should feel more like a conversation than an interrogation – you are both just trying to get to know each other and evaluate the fit. Candidates who enjoy the experience are more likely to accept your offer and become long-term team members.
Tips for success #5 – Be honest and transparent
Transparency is key. When you’re open about salary, benefits, and job responsibilities, it creates trust and saves everyone time.
If you’re unsure about what to offer, start with researching the market. Competitive pay and benefits are vital. Offering fair and competitive salary, along with clear details about perks, makes your company stand out and makes candidates more comfortable accepting your offer.
Don’t forget – highlight what makes your company a great place to work.
Tips for success #6 – Involve the entire team
The next important tip for successful hiring is involving team members who will be working directly with the new hire. Let them meet candidates and give feedback.
This helps verify if the candidate will fit within your team and also makes everyone feel involved. This leads to smoother onboarding and better team chemistry.
Tips for success #7 – Check their references
When a CV gives you skills and an interview gives you accomplishments and character through the lens of a candidate, a referral call gives you realistic feedback on everyday tasks and bounds it all together – it’s like a cherry on top.
Contact previous managers or colleagues to verify a candidate’s skills and work ethic. It’s one of the most often overlooked tips for successful hiring. It helps to avoid costly hiring mistakes and is a must do.
Tips for success #8 – Act quickly when you find the right fit
The best candidates aren’t going to wait forever – they might accept offers from someone else. Even when you just had the first interview, and want to do some extra meeting with other candidates, don’t leave them waiting. Be proactive, send them a follow up email and let them know the approximate time when to expect the next step.
Once you’re confident about a candidate, don’t delay. Extend your offer promptly, and make onboarding as smooth as possible. Speed matters, and not only in accepting the candidate but in every step of the hiring process.
Key takeaways
Using these tips for success at hiring will help you attract, evaluate, and secure great people who will grow with your company.
Remember to follow our steps next time you’re hiring:
- Have a clear vision and goal
- Put effort into your job postings
- Be proactive in finding candidates
- Keep the interview process efficient
- Be honest and transparent
- Involve the entire team
- Check their references
- Act quickly when you find the right fit
Need professional help? Our recruiters are here to help you. Book a 15-minute call to learn more about how we can help your company.
