The path to a new job or hiring a new employee can be overwhelming, but there are a few common slip-ups that can make things even more difficult. Here are our top 3 mistakes that job seekers and hiring employers make:
Job Seekers
- Not researching the employer
It’s important to learn about the company before you send off your resume, and even more important before you go to an interview. You should make a personal connection between yourself and the company that shows that you are a good fit for the organization.
- The “longer is better” attitude to your cover letter and resume
A brief, well-edited and impactful cover letter and resume is the most effective method. Have a few people read over your cover letter and resume to help find irrelevant and repetitive information, and spot any pesky spelling and grammar errors.
- Thinking your resume will speak for itself
Employers can receive hundreds and hundreds of resumes for a job, which means that you need to know how to articulate what you will bring to a specific role within a particular company. Think about your most relevant skills and how they align with what the organization is looking for.
Hiring Managers
- Not knowing your key requirements
It’s important to have a detailed list of realistic requirements that your desired employee should have. Having a clear vision of what you need to fill a role will help you hire a successful candidate without relying on extensive on-the-job training.
- Not emphasizing the company’s culture
Yes, the candidate needs to have the practical skills to do the job, but they also need to fit with the company’s culture. We spend most of our time at work and you want to hire someone who will be comfortable in the environment.
- Long silence after interviews
Following an interview, it is important to outline the job selection process moving forward. It’s equally as important to communicate with candidates if there is a delay in the timeline or if they circle back with you with questions. If a great candidate continues to be ignored, it’s likely that they will move on to other opportunities.
We all make mistakes, but avoiding these common mistakes will help make your recruiting process easier and more successful!
