Finding the proper talent while meeting time constraints is a delicate balancing act that requires a skilled recruiter. However, problems arise when the hiring process takes too long, leading to lost time, money, and, possibilities. Some hiring managers need to be more astute and efficient in their approach to recruitment at this stage. This is why speed matters in recruitment.
The Art of Recruitment: Speed vs Process
I’ve witnessed firsthand the damage that can be done to businesses by a laborious hiring procedure during my time as a Recruitment Consultant. We recently surveyed HR professionals and hiring managers on LinkedIn to learn more about how quickly they fill available positions, and the answers were surprising. Only 15% of those surveyed said they filled openings in less than two weeks, while 66% said it took them eight weeks or more. Is it really worth it to wait for the lengthy hiring process?
The negative answer is that it is not. Talented workers in today’s labor market don’t have time to wait around for organizations that aren’t moving quickly. They leave for better-fitting positions, forcing the company to scramble to locate a replacement that is far from “fit for the role.” This can have an adverse effect on the company’s image and brand, in addition to causing lost business opportunities.
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What, then, is the answer to this problem? Very elementary. Hiring managers’ first priority should be simplifying the search for qualified new employees without sacrificing quality. This requires having clear and succinct job descriptions, reducing the duration of the trials or tests (we knew a company with a 40-hour test), and decreasing the number of interviews (some still have 5-8 rounds for a non-executive role). This lets businesses improve their bottom line, keep the image of their brand, and get and keep the best employees.
In conclusion, the art of recruitment is not about having a lengthy process, but about finding the right balance between speed and efficiency. So the next time you’re in charge of hiring, keep in mind how your methods are affecting the business and how crucial it is to make good decisions quickly.
