Despite the temptation to speed up the hiring process, there are some corners you just cannot cut. The individuals you are hiring today will have a huge impact on the safety, productivity, and longevity of your company. You have invested too much time and money into your business to run the risk of bringing on people who will harm it. Let’s take a look at a few of the corners you should never cut during the hiring process.
Background Checks
This may sound like a no-brainer, but many hiring managers get in a hurry to fill a position and will skip this step or ignore red flags which they see on the background identity check. Remember, the background check is literally revealing to you past criminal activity in which a person was involved. Although people can learn their lessons and do better, do you want to run that risk with your business?
If you are the employer, be sure to always double-check background checks. This is especially important if you are delegating the hiring process out to someone else. Another person may not care as much as you do. Even if you have someone handling most of the hiring process for you, always take the time to review the background check yourself. This way, you can ensure that no vital information is being ignored.
Identity
Identity is also a crucial step that cannot be overlooked. Today it is easier than ever to confirm identity. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using an employment credit check. The credit report is an official report which will track someone for years. Keep in mind, though, you will need express permission to conduct an employment credit check on an applicant. Pay attention if the person seems reluctant to have the credit check ran. That could be a red flag in itself.
If you find discrepancies in identity or citizenship do not proceed with the hiring process. This is very often an indicator of illegal activity and should be taken very seriously.
Work History
Following up on work history is one of the most common cut corners. One of the reasons why employers skip this step is because it is time-consuming. You can use employment verification services to help verify the basic information which was shared on an application or on a resume. This type of verification, however, will only reveal to you if the person did indeed work at the mentioned company. To truly use work history to help you make your final decision, you will need to speak with past employers.
Past employers will be able to tell you how the person interacted on a daily basis. They will be able to tell you how they applied their skills and qualifications in real work scenarios. Following up on work history can be the most valuable piece of information you can have during the hiring process. Do not cut this corner.
The Interview
The interview is another place where corners are often cut. The interview is so crucial to the process, you really cannot afford to cut any corners here. During the interview, you have a special opportunity to interact with the candidate face to face and verify information with them sitting in front of you. Here it is very important to pay attention to body language and how responses are worded. These subtle pieces of information can tell you so much about the applicant.
Bringing on new employees is a huge part of your company’s success. If you want to see your company continue to grow and thrive, do not cut any of the above-mentioned corners during your hiring process.
