How to choose the right candidate: tips for recruiters
Posted at 01/11/2023
How do you choose the right candidate for your company? In this article, our finance and accounting recruitment specialists share 5 helpful tips.
1. Create a profile of your ideal candidate
When looking for a good candidate, the first step is to create a profile that you can base your search on. Creating an ideal candidate profile will help you attract more qualified people and make it easier to choose between them when deciding who to interview.
To create a candidate profile, think about the key elements you’re looking for in a candidate, such as:
- Hard and soft skills (e.g. leadership, communication, etc.)
- Level of experience (e.g. junior, senior, intern)
- Relevant training and education
- Values that could be an asset
Complete your candidate profile by asking the teams that will be working with the new hire what they expect.
2. Take the time to assess the CVs you receive
Let’s face it—finding the right candidate for a job can be time-consuming, particularly in professions where there is a serious labour shortage.
But the time you spend on recruitment isn’t wasted. Taking the time to thoroughly assess the CVs and cover letters you receive will help you get a better sense of each candidate. Assessing candidate profiles can help you understand why they want the position, which can be a major advantage.
It’s also a good idea to keep your selection criteria flexible. If you’re rigid about years of experience and level of education, you may end up missing out on the perfect candidate.
3. Prepare for the interview
Just like candidates, recruiters need to be well-prepared for job interviews. Here are a few helpful strategies:
- Prepare your questions before the interview: By preparing in advance, you can take care to select questions that will help you identify the best candidates.
- Take notes during the interview: Notes will help you remember important details, positive or negative, that may help you make your choice.
- Pay attention to the candidate’s body language: Sometimes, gestures speak louder than words! Simply observing the candidate’s body language can help you determine whether or not they are really interested in the position.
- Prepare answers to questions candidates are likely to ask: Candidates who are interested in the job will want to know more about your company, benefits, salary, etc. It’s a good idea to prepare answers to candidates’ most common questions and concerns.
4. Pay attention to every interaction with candidates
Of course, the job interview will give you a good idea of whether a given candidate is compatible with the position and your company, but you can also learn more about a candidate by paying attention to the way they express themselves in every interaction with you.
If a candidate is very responsive and articulate in writing, for example, you can consider that a good sign. On the other hand, a person who doesn’t seem very available or responsive is probably less interested in the position.
If you know you’re looking for someone with a particular personality type, feel free to have candidates take a reputable recruitment personality test. Personality tests can help you identify individuals who are likely to work well with your team.
5. Trust your instincts
As a recruiter, you undoubtedly have a knack for identifying candidates who would make good employees for your company.
Sometimes, a candidate may seem perfect on paper, but something feels off when you interview them. Other times, a candidate might not have all of the skills you’re looking for, but make up for it with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Instinct may not be quantifiable, but it is still a valuable tool to help you choose the right candidate.
Need help recruiting finance or accounting professionals?
Hiring the right person isn’t always easy. Sometimes, there are so many great candidates that it can be difficult to figure out which one to choose. But with these recruitment 5 tips, you’re bound to find the right fit.
If you’d rather leave the choice to recruitment professionals, contact Fed Finance. We help companies hire finance and accounting professionals that meet their needs perfectly.
