It’s a good problem to have – but a problem nonetheless.
You’re seeking to fill a business-critical job vacancy, and the field has been narrowed down to two final candidates. Both have sterling resumes and recommendations and have interviewed well. Everything in their backgrounds checks out, and they both have the right education and experience for the position. But the fact remains: there’s only one opening. What’s an HR manager to do?
The longer you wait, the higher the chances that you’ll lose one – or even both –to your competition, because today’s most in-demand talent simply isn’t going to wait around long for the right offer. The clock is ticking … so when all is said and done, how do you make the right choice?
Think long term.
Look beyond the job requirements and the immediate need to fill an opening – and assess each applicant’s potential to grow with your company.
- Gauge their leadership potential. As you do so, look even more closely at how well their goals and mission align with those of your business. Can you see one of them, more so than the other, sticking it out and taking your business to the next level despite any hurdles that may be thrown in the way? Because that’s what true leaders do.
Consider the cultural fit.
You can always train for on-the-job skills, but the right cultural fit can neither be taught nor bought.
- One way to gauge the cultural match is to introduce potential hires to members of your current team before making an offer. Afterwards, debrief and get others’ opinions on how a candidate would – or wouldn’t – be a fit. As you do so, remember: you can’t simply hire a mirror image of yourself. This is another reason it’s important to get a second – or third, fourth, and even fifth – opinion.
Look for genuine passion.
Reflect on what you learned about each candidate as you got to know them. What was their level of pure passion for the role and for joining your organization? Ask yourself:
- Which one seemed more sincerely engaged?
- Which asked the most thoughtful questions?
Last but not least, listen to your heart and your gut. It will help you make your final decision, even if there’s only the slightest difference between the two contenders.
Get an objective opinion.
By working with a staffing partner who can offer an objective opinion based on a proven track record and expertise, you can help ensure that you make the right decision – and avoid a costly hiring mistake. In areas including administration, customer service, IT, finance, accounting, legal support, healthcare, and production, PrideStaff Modesto can be that trusted partner. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
