You’re in the final stretch of the hiring process. After weeks, even months, spent buried under resumes, job listings and calendar reminders for interviews, all that’s left is sending an offer to your obvious first choice.
As many hiring managers have discovered, there’s a staggering amount of people looking for jobs and it rarely goes as neatly as they imagine.
While colleges endlessly turn out fresh candidates, seasoned veterans find themselves hungry for change and many industries are growing faster than ever, it’s easy to find yourself looking at two amazing options for a position that seats one.
Make no mistake, this is a great problem to have. Employers in many parts of the world still struggle to find one average candidate, meanwhile, you’re welcoming an all-star no matter which path you take. But it’s still a problem that can drag out already lengthy, expensive quest to grow your team.
If you find yourself stuck between candidates, these tips will help you reach a final decision.
What do you really need?
Like shopping for a car, it’s easy to enter wanting four wheels and an engine and exit refusing to settle for anything less than a convertible with seat warmers. When presented with endless options and features we start to (even unknowingly) box ourselves in with “must-haves” that eventually leave us unable to make a decision. It’s human nature. Who hasn’t become indecisive after entering the Amazon product review wormhole?
Take a breath and go back to the basics you want to be accomplished by a new employee. Revisit the original job listing and make an objective comparison on which one is the best fit. If you find they’re equally qualified, start comparing additional skills. You might find one candidate’s related experience well beyond what’s needed while the other may not.
Who would you hang out with?
As we’ve discussed time and time again, workplace culture is as critical to success as having the equipment you need for the job. Has either candidate demonstrated that they just “get” your company? Did you hit it off and bond well with one of them? Is one of them more open to friendly conversation?
Hiring an employee you don’t see yourself discussing anything beyond work with isn’t just detrimental to the company, it’s pretty depressing. Think back on your time spent with them and whether you could see yourself grabbing coffee with them.
Is there room for one more?
If both candidates are still neck and neck, maybe it’s time to consider squeezing them in. Candidates with every skill you could possibly need and you see as a good addition to the next company party are hard to come by. If it’s possible, take this rare opportunity to grab both.
Having trouble finding one, let alone two, perfect candidates? Join Monikl today to see applicants specifically matched to your position.
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