Set yourself up for hiring success in 2019 by ensuring that your hiring process is well structured and organized. Below are a few tips that are trending in Talent Acquisition and are proven to optimize your hiring process in the new year.

1.       Use an Applicant Tracking System

Companies of all sizes can benefit from using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Companies are increasingly opting to use an ATS to improve overall hiring efficiencies. An ATS can help improve candidate tracking and communication, such as auto generated offer and turndown letters. It also enables recruiters to store and categorize the resumes of previous applicants for seamless sourcing.  This will continue to be one of the hiring trends in 2019. According to Jobscan.com, 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

2.       Evaluate and improve job descriptions

Review existing job descriptions with internal managers to develop or improve them. Keep in mind that job descriptions are often used to market your job opening to candidates. They are a marketing tool and should be used as such. Include your marketing team to revamp both the language and appearance to attract top talent.

3.       Standardize Interviews

Structure interviews so that all candidates are asked the same interview questions based on the position that they are being considered for. Here are a few ways to incorporate standardized interviews:

• Use job descriptions to create interview questions based on the skills and experience required.

• Identify and assign interview teams. These individuals can consist of managers, team members, and department leaders.

•  Develop candidate evaluations forms. This document should include a checklist of requirements for the role along with a gauge of where each candidate falls based on their response to interview questions. Hiring managers can rank candidates and make consistent decisions.

• Contact all candidates with updates as the process moves along.

Implementing this step ensures that hiring managers are ranking candidates based on set criteria rather than gut feelings and will improve the overall time to fill. When you specify the interview questions that should be asked, you have a way to consistently evaluate whether a candidate has the right skills and experience to succeed in a new role.

4.       Optimize your candidate experience

2019 will continue to be a candidate’s market. To attract and maintain good candidates, companies need to create a seamless hiring experience by: 

• Decreasing the amount of time spent in the application process

• Ensuring the company website is straightforward and easy to navigate

• Implementing a mobile application

• Sharing salary data for your positions with candidates – avoid the guess work

• Make scheduling the interview simple – this should be a quick 1 or 2 step process. Technology can help simplify this process such has Google or Text recruiting.
  
  

5.      Consider Text Recruiting – recruitment’s new normal

According to a survey conducted by iCIMS, almost all recruiters surveyed have moved away from a candidate due to lack of timely response. Studies show that 90% of people respond to text messages within three minutes of receiving, increasing the probability that recruiters will receive a response to their inquiry. Traditional methods such as phone call and email to communicate with candidates slows the process tremendously. Text recruiting was one of the hottest hiring trends in 2018. In 2019, successful Talent Acquisition teams will incorporate texting as their primary means of candidate communication.

Additional ASE Resources
ASE Talent Acquisition Services – If you need help with Talent Acquisition, contact our experienced ASE Team.  We can create a custom solution for your needs.  Contact Shannon Reed, Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition Services, for more information.

BirdDogHR – ASE partner, BirdDogHR, offers a comprehensive recruiting solution designed with the highest compliance standards in mind. The cloud-based Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is straightforward and easy-to-use from any computer or mobile device and is affordable for small to mid-size companies.  For more information, please contact Anthony Kaylin.

Sources: CareerPlug.com; Recruitingtrends.com