The Panchatantra of Hiring Process
Hiring people is not algebra. We are not dealing with numbers but are dealing with people. Therefore a set of good practices are a key to making a good hire. Panchatantra is ancient Indian literature with 5 moral stories indicating five techniques or practices for a good life. Since a good hire requires good organizing and thoughtful strategy, here are 5 practices (Panchatantra) for a good hire.
- A minute of organizing saves an hour of trouble
Good organizing always contributes to efficient results. This is especially true with regard to the hiring process. Remember that it is a process with several steps. Each hire differs from others depending on the role that needs to be filled. Therefore it is important to organize the process accordingly. If one job role requires five interviews to determine the eligible candidate the other role might just need two interviews. Therefore it is important to define the hiring process. Such organizing saves a lot of time of the recruiting staff and also ensures that the process is smooth without hitches.
- Experts always use checklists so that they can remain experts
Checklists seem very basic and simple and not so stylish, perhaps even primitive. But these checklists are what connect missing links in our process. It helps ensure that we and the others in the team have all followed through on what is required. It helps to take care of fundamental factors in the hiring process and ensures that the process rolls out to completion. It ensures that we do not miss out any communication with the candidate. There are points when the candidate should be informed of the progress on his application. Keeping the candidate posted helps in building your brand name. Such a systematic approach to the hiring process surely helps the staff and the candidate have a satisfying hiring experience.
- Timely and thoughtful feedback fills the void of ambiguity
Feedback in the hiring process clarifies the hire. Make sure that you encourage your interviewers to given their feedback as soon as possible. Such timely feedback should be thoughtful. To encourage the quick submission of the feedback some companies like Genius.com have adopted a “silent process” method to encourage the staff to submit their feedback soon. Whatever method you choose to use, let your staff see the need to give their feedback in no less than 48 hours. Assigning specific points to each interviewer will ensure that they do not get distracted with other things. This will also ensure that they do not get carried away because of bias.
- Do your homework – Authenticate the candidate
It is important to do a proper background check on the candidates. On the application, the candidate might seem like just the right person. Education and experience seem just the right fit for the job. But then, how authentic are those? We would not want a wrong fit, at the same time we would never want a fake one either. Therefore it is important to do a check on the educational qualifications, criminal history, and work experience and behavior.
- You will get the right answers if you ask the right questions
When an interviewer asks the right questions, the candidate cannot just fake the answer. He will have to reveal the answer. Properly formulated questions will sieve up the most desirable candidates for you. It does not mean that you have to ask many questions. But prepare in advance what to ask and how to ask. Giving forethought will help you make good hiring decisions.
The Panchatantra of the hiring process will ensure that you not only have the right candidate but a desirable candidate.
