How to hire great talent (not just people who are talented at job interviews)

23 Feb

Some loathe them. Some love the challenge. Whatever you think of them, job interviews are a critical element of the hiring process for both employer and potential employee.

It’s time to put your best foot forward and showcase the best of what you can offer. A confident, articulate job seeker might sail through the process with ease. But what if they just have a natural talent for job interviews?

Here are some tips to help you make a more informed decision.

Use behavioural interviewing techniques

Behavioural interviewing involves drawing on real experiences. This technique can help you gain insight into someone’s past performance and problem-solving abilities, rather than just their ability to talk the talk.

Conduct skills assessments

The way we hire talent has changed. Talent specialists cannot rely solely on what people write on their CV or say in an interview. It has become common practice to use skills assessments relevant to the job to help identify whether someone has the technical skills required for the role.

Platforms like Vervoe help employers make informed decisions by testing technical and soft skills. One method is through job simulations. Employers watch as candidates answer questions, solve issues and demonstrate their skills, all in real-time.

Use references and background checks

Reference checks can provide you with additional information about a candidate’s work history and reputation. You’ll gain a better understanding of their work ethic and values, as well as what they are like as a person.

Assess whether they’re a good fit

In addition to skills and experience, it’s essential to consider whether someone is a good fit for your organisation. In a survey by Glassdoor, 77% of respondents said they consider an organisation’s culture before applying for a job. It’s as important for a potential employee as it is for the employer. Look for people who share your organisation’s values and can work well with your existing team.

Collaborative hiring

What you consider to be a valuable trait in an employee might be different to another interviewer’s priorities. Collaborative hiring with one or more of your colleagues can help ensure you get a more inclusive, well-rounded view of each person’s fit for the role.

Look for engagement and enthusiasm

People with genuine excitement for their work are invaluable. This shows that they care about what they do, and hopefully, this will transfer to your organisation. You can gauge engagement with the role and your organisation through the questions an interviewee asks and the existing knowledge they have of your organisation.

Final thoughts

It’s important to take a holistic approach to how you recruit. Using a variety of techniques, technologies and collaborative hiring can help you uncover the best insights to drive your decisions.

With the right tools and the right approach, you’ll find the best talent for your organisation, not just the best person at navigating job interviews.

For guidance on your hiring process, contact the Heart Talent team today.

Cynthia Harris