5 Things All Employers Should Do When Looking for a New Employee

June 4 2020 - When you're looking for a new employee, it's not always an easy process to find the right person. However, getting the right employees is essential for any organization and can mean you have a team that works well together and is happy and productive. Here are some things all employers should do when looking for a new employee to ensure they create the best possible team and get the right person.

1. Look internally for applicants

Although it's difficult to get an accurate number, it's estimated that around 70% of jobs aren't advertised; they are either filled internally, or with someone the employer has met through networking.

There are several advantages to internal hiring:

• The employee already knows the business - there's no need for a lengthy induction
• You know how the employee works, their strengths and weaknesses and much more
• It's cheaper than an external hire
• Although they may need training in a specific role, they usually know how the processes work in general, so training is generally quicker and easier

Internal recruitment isn't always possible, but if you can find someone suitable, it can be a good way of finding the right candidate.

2. Advertise online

Advertising a job online is still one of the favored approaches to recruitment, and luckily, it's very simple and straightforward to do. It's easy to post a job ad for free online, and in general, most adverts get a good response rate unless they're very specialized. Advertising online also allows you to cast a wider net and look for applicants from further away. This is useful if you are looking for a specific set of skills.

3. Make a specific job description

It's important to define what the role will be within your organization. Even if you're just replacing someone, you should spend time updating the job description so the person coming into the role knows exactly what their responsibilities will be. This can also be useful when advertising the role, as it clarifies what's involved. People can then decide whether they might be a good fit and whether the job is on their level.

4. Carry out some pre-screening

It is becoming increasingly common for potential employers to carry out pre-screening checks before they make an offer. A background check is essential to look out for a criminal record or anything else that's amiss, and pre-screening can also ensure that the potential employee's resume is honest. And, if you work in financial services, you may want to get permission to carry out a credit check too.

5. Take up references

Taking up references has become less common, as people move jobs more often nowadays, but it can still be a useful way to learn more about a potential employee. At the very least, it allows you to check that they haven't lied on their resume about the dates or nature of their employment. Many HR departments won't give out detailed references, but they are usually happy to confirm the basics.

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