Wondering why companies are losing candidates even after an offer was accepted? Salaries are continuously increasing and candidates are weighing multiple offers, this is happening despite the pandemic, which deeply impacted the workforce. Candidates have always led the recruiting scene and that is not expected to change anytime soon. Hiring could become even more challenging with shifts in demographics and other factors. Common hiring mistakes can also slow down the process and now the pool of candidates.

A recent survey showed that small businesses have roles they are not able to fill. Recruiting may have changed, but there are ways to combat these new challenges and succeed in hiring the right candidate for the role. Learn about hiring mistakes to avoid:

HIRING MISTAKE #1: Tapping the same old pool

Why this is a problem: Being too narrow in the search is a common hiring mistake that keeps a small business from reaching different demographics that may have qualities you are looking for.  

Solution: Think diversity – in age, race, abilities, gender, groups, etc. Having broader pools for recruitment opens more chances to find a more suitable candidate who may not have been in the workforce for a period of time or may have a disability. Expanding your search in these areas will aid in moving up in your recruitment process.

HIRING MISTAKE #2: Moving too slowly

Why is this a problem: Currently where shifting to a virtual environment is more prominent, we also find ourselves hiring on a shorter timeline. However, small businesses still manage to drag out the hiring process, which ends up being a costly hiring mistake. 

Solution: Avoiding this common hiring mistake is as simple as having  a more streamlined interview process and being ready to make an offer quickly, as soon as the decision to hire has been made. Waiting too long to make an offer can allow a candidate to entertain other companies and potentially receive a competing offer.

HIRING MISTAKE #3: Floundering on flexibility

Why is this a problem: With the rise of virtual and hybrid work setups, candidates are now looking for companies with more flexible work environments or are expecting that these options will be offered. There are few bigger hiring mistakes in our current climate than assuming remote work is not here to stay. 

Solution: Eliminating locations in job descriptions allows the recruitment pools to be broader. As remote work has quickly shifted from a perk to an expectation, 80% to 90% of candidates are looking for positions that offer some flexibility.

HIRING MISTAKE #4: Failing to sell yourself

Why is this a problem: As the employer-candidate dynamic is affected by the misalignment of supply and demand, companies need to put in extra effort to sell themselves. 

Solution: It’s a common hiring mistake to think you don’t need to woo your candidates, keep them engaged and show them why they should accept your offer. Selling the role includes regular check-ins even after the offer has been made to ensure that both of you are still on the same page and the candidate is not entertaining counter offers.  

Knowing these hiring mistakes to avoid will help inform  your hiring process. Continue to be vigilant and alert to get to your next hire quickly and land a candidate that will be able to contribute and help bring your company to the next level.