The Interview Process

Anyone who reads a newspaper knows now that we are embarking on a period of smaller and smaller labor force due to the Boomer’s impending retirement. As we approach that period, we are also experiencing a lack of superior talent in certain industries and certain geographies which represent a real struggle for employers and recruiters. While there are copious contributors to the quandary, there are also several things that can be done by employers and recruiters to ease acquisition of superior talent during tight labor markets. A recruiter’s process should almost never have a minimum time frame of over 48 hours from first contact to submittal to client. A recruiter should not be an impediment to their clients meeting the candidates. Similarly, a client should have a compact process as well. This process should incorporate two important themes: deep skills assessment and urgency. While to some this seems in conflict, it shouldn’t. A company should be able to perform a phone screen and a multi-hour in-person interview within one to two weeks of having a viable candidate submitted. While in certain markets for certain positions, this type of time frame is unnecessary, others must begin to weigh these guidelines as the labor market tightens. Many candidates have multiple interviews and/or offers at the same time. The company seeking the talent must be able to consider their competition for that talent as well as recognize how to use the momentum that is gained in shortened processes. The shortened process makes the company appear nimble, eager and more interested than those that have longer, more complex processes. This interest does not affect the negotiation dynamics for either side. The mere showing of interest for a candidate does not result in a higher wage. It merely suggests a company that has the hiring of top talent as a priority, which is a competitive issue, especially in market verticals that hold small amounts of talent. As the labor tightening becomes more dramatic, these issues will be at top of mind, and companies would be wise to address them sooner than later.