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The hiring process can be full of potential pitfalls, obstacles, and impediments that can get in the way of your efforts.  Being aware and trying to steer clear of these areas, can help make the hiring process less hectic and problematic.  This can lead to lower turnover rates, higher employee engagement, and satisfaction, and less time reconducting searches that go sideways.

Here are the top five hiring process mishaps to avoid:

1. Undefined Time Frame for Hire

When there’s no clear timeline for hiring, vacancies can drag on leading to a loss of top candidates as well as cause for inefficiencies within the team. Establishing a specific timeline with milestones and communicating it to everyone involved ensures alignment and manages expectations.


2. Lack of a Clear Hiring Process

An undefined or inconsistent hiring process causes confusion and inefficiencies that can negatively affect the candidate’s experience. Clearly defining the stages of your hiring process and their purposes will allow for a well-organized hiring process. Additionally, ensuring consistency and transparency to both the hiring team and candidates will further improve the process. This, in turn, will allow for a better candidate experience and may potentially attract more candidates.


3. Undefined Key Performance Objectives

Not having clear success factors and deliverables for the first year can lead to unmet expectations from newly hired employees. Defining these KPO’s (Key Performance Objectives) for the role and communicating them during the interview process ensures candidates understand what success looks like. This aligns expectations and sets clear goals from the start, mitigating the number of unmet expectations.


4. Poor Performance Projection and Review

Failing to project a candidate's performance and review after one year can lead to goal misalignment. Discuss what the role will look like a year out, including specific activities, revenues, actions, and familiarity with products and services. This sets clear expectations and goals for their first year.


5. Inconsistent Evaluation Forms

Without a standardized evaluation form, candidates may be assessed subjectively.  This can lead to inconsistent assessments and decisions. Developing an evaluation form with specific criteria and numerical ratings helps ensure that all candidates are evaluated on a level playing field, making the process fair and objective.

Recognizing these red flags and implementing solutions throughout the hiring process can save your company from the additional costs associated with bad hires. Improving your hiring strategy enhances your ability to select candidates who are skilled and fit well with your company’s culture and values.

For more insights on improving your hiring process, follow us and stay updated with the latest recruitment tips and strategies. If you need help with your hiring process, contact NorthRoad today. Our expert team can help you find top talent and ensure you make the best hires for your organization.