With the unemployment rate stable at 3.6%, the lowest it’s been since 1969 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business owners and HR executives face unique challenges when it comes to recruiting top talent. It may be time to revamp your hiring process if the hiring tips you’ve used in the past no longer work.

Hiring talent in a candidate-driven market means your hiring process has to be fast and efficient, and you must remain confident about what your company offers top candidates.

JKI Inc. has seen it all, from hiring in a sluggish economy to hiring in a candidate-driven market.

We’ve persevered through recessions, when unemployment was high and the hardest part of hiring was sifting through thousands of resumes to find the few qualified candidates. (And this was before artificial intelligence started revolutionizing the HR industry!)

We’ve also been through hiring in a candidates’ market, when the burden falls on the employer to recruit top talent before someone else scoops them up. The hiring tips we’re sharing here can help you streamline your processes so that the best candidates won’t slip through your fingers to end up working with your competitors.

1. Craft your job ads to reflect your company culture.

The hiring process begins with a carefully crafted job ad, so that’s where our hiring tips begin, as well. First, get clear on the candidate you want to attract. Outline the required qualifications, degrees, experience, and soft skills such as the ability to multi-task, lead teams, or remain hyper-organized in a stressful, ever-changing work environment.

Don’t be afraid to be selective. You want the best candidates to find you and you don’t want to waste time pursuing those who aren’t a good fit.

2. Leverage technology to streamline the interview process.

Today’s tech-savvy workforce won’t shy away from a quick videoconference or Skype call prior to an in-person meeting.

Consider this call a fact-finding meeting for you both. Ask questions to establish if the candidate will be a good fit for your organization. You’re trying to get a feel for their personality, work ethic, and overall skillset to decide if it’s worth bringing them in for an interview.

3. Emphasize the benefits and intangibles candidates will find if they work for you.   

Nine out of 10 millennials say they’d take a pay cut to work with an organization that aligns with their own mission and values. To find employees who will fit with your organization, you must first be clear about your company mission. 

Use the video call before the formal interview as an opportunity to talk about your company culture, vision, and values. Let candidates know about opportunities for advancement, benefits like unlimited vacation time or flexible hours, and anything else that sets your firm apart.

4. Establish a hiring process that allows for faster hiring decisions. 

Hiring in a candidate-driven market doesn’t give employers and HR teams the chance to mull over their decision for days.

Establish a hiring process that includes one video call, one in-person meeting, and a fast decision. Ensure that all decision-makers have a chance to meet the top candidates. Schedule touch-base meetings for your key decisionmakers as part of the hiring process, so when it’s time to make a decision, you’re all on the same page.

5. Stick to one interview per candidate before making an offer.

The early bird gets the worm. You snooze, you lose. He who hesitates is lost. You can choose your cliché, but one of our top hiring tips in a candidate-driven market is this: Don’t waste time. Make an offer as soon as you find (and agree upon) your ideal candidate.

Make the offer clear and organized so your top prospect understands the value of your firm as well as your expectations of them. Be ready to onboard as soon as possible so candidates don’t have a chance to change their minds or find a better offer.

Let Us Help You Establish a Hiring Process that Works

JKI Inc. has established a proven hiring process that helps our clients find and recruit top candidates in any job market. From crafting the perfect job ad to moving candidates through the hiring process quickly and efficiently, we can help you recruit top talent in your industry across the Chicago metro area and beyond.

Let us help you refine your hiring process and secure the best candidates faster. Contact us now to hire your next top employee.