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How might you hire for longevity?

Finding employees who are qualified and hard-working is one thing. But employers are also in need of workers who will stick around. The cost to find, hire and train a new worker is high, and it’s always more budget-friendly to hold onto the workers you already have.

It all comes down to your hiring process, which is the first step in your relationship with an employee. The steps you take during your hiring process can help pave the way for a long-term hire who is well-matched to the position and your company culture. This way, they have what they need to thrive, making them much more likely to stick around long term.

The keys to a successful hire

Hiring for longevity includes making quality candidate matches. Here’s what you can do:

Improve your job descriptions

These are the first exposure a candidate will have to your company, so it’s important to get them right. You want to make them as inclusive as possible so you can cast a wide hiring net and find just the right person. Keep the job title straight forward so it’s easily understood what the role could entail. List only the most essential qualifications as requirements (such as education and training) and keep separate other qualifications that are “nice to have” but can be learned on the job. Also include details about your company culture.

Involve key people in the interview process.

It’s perfectly acceptable to have a few rounds of interviews, and compare notes to form a more complete impression of the candidate. Involve people in the interview process who will be working directly with the new hire.

Ask the right interview questions.

During an interview, you have a limited amount of time to get a feel for how well a candidate will mesh with the position. Your time is best spent asking about specifics such as their knowledge, experience and background. Behavioral interview questions (such as “Tell me about a time when you were faced with a challenge and how you handled it”) have their place in an interview, but don’t spend too much time on these types of questions. Simply having a conversation with a candidate and listening closely to what they tell you can give you all the clues you’ll need about their personality and behavior.

Hire for cultural fit.

A candidate’s longevity with your company has a lot to do with their comfort level. When they feel like they fit in, they’ll be much more comfortable and more likely to stick around the long haul. During interviews, ask interviewers specifically to imagine if they could see themselves working with this person. If the answer is yes, you’ve probably found a good cultural fit.

You can also work with a recruiter

Your recruiter partner is your ally in helping you make great long-term matches for your company. They’ll work with you to understand your business and staffing needs, and help you find a qualified candidate who fits. And Wood Personnel can help. To learn more about the services we offer contact us today!

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