Finding the right match for an open job position feels a lot like finding the right match in a life partner. Here are seven ways hiring is like dating.
1. You need to look before you leap
Just as you wouldn't marry the first person you go on a date with, you shouldn't hire the first person you interview and cancel all the rest. Talk with a few different candidates before you find "the one."
2. First Impressions Count
Making a good first impression is paramount to attracting top talent. The first impression potential employees get of you? The job description. Make sure it is polished, spell checked, and error free.
Need more tips on writing a good job description? Check out this infographic.
3. You Need To Look Good
You put up your most flattering photo on your dating ad, so make sure your company's online profiles are equally as flattering. Keep your web presence up to date by posting regularly on your LinkedIn company page, responding to reviews on Glassdoor, and uploading photos of your offices to Yelp.
4. Don't Ask Inappropriate Questions
Steer clear of things like politics, religion, past romances, etc. on first dates and job interviews. You can still ask focused questions, just make sure you aren't asking anything HIPPA has determined to be illegal.
State and federal laws make discrimination based on certain protected categories, such as national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, disabilities, arrest and conviction record, military discharge status, race, gender, or pregnancy status, illegal.
Any question that asks a candidate to reveal information about such topics without the question having a job related basis will violate the various state and federal discrimination laws," Lori Adelson, a labor and employment attorney and partner with law firm Arnstein & Lehr, tells Business Insider.
5. Set Expectations
Everyone has had the awkward experience of not know when is too early to reach out. As the interviewer and potential employer, set expectations for the next steps. Will you be calling for follow up questions? Emailing? When to you expect to hire? All of these answers will put your potential candidate at ease.
6. Break Up If It's Not Working
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Although it is costly to let go of a new hire, use the old adage if it's not working out and "hire slow, fire fast."
7. Check In Often
Congratulations! You made it through the hiring process and decided to "settle down" with a new employee. Make sure to check in often and insure your new match is happy and has all the tools they need to do their job.
Need Help with the Hiring Process?
Bonus Tip: Use a matchmaker! Find the perfect talent for your open role a lot faster by signing up with a staffing agency like Artisan! Get in touch with an Account Manager today.
