Depending on your industry, what you require from an applicant to fill a job can vary drastically from position to position. In some cases, individuals who work together on a daily basis may not have the credentials to adequately perform their companion jobs. When dealing with such unique circumstances, breaking down what you desire in an applicant can help you sift through the responses from ads and suggestions from an aggregation tool.
Prior Experience
One of the strongest signs of an appropriate applicant is prior experience. Ideally, you will want a person who has fulfilled the duties of the same job in a relatively recent time period. Unfortunately, these individuals are not always available. When looking for the next best option, consider a person who has performed a position which has similar responsibilities or functions. This type of job will often be a feeder or entry position that relates to the more complex duties found in your open position. In some cases, you may be able to promote from within.
When using an applicant tracking system, be sure to verify these claims. While the software or program can help you find potential hires, it will not check and validate all references or claims made by the individual once the entry has been made in your database. Requiring references, and contacting these selections, can help you avoid a potential issue when an applicant exaggerates or lies on their resume.
Education
Another prime aspect for many open positions is the need for proper education. Depending on the requirements of your unfilled job, secondary education and specialized certifications may be necessary. These criteria will drastically limit your potential pool of applicants. However, in some situations this is entirely necessary. Hiring an individual who is not qualified or aware of the risks associated with a potentially hazardous position can put this person, as well others in the area, in serious danger.
If filling the opening with a person who does not have all of the necessary education will not result in a safety issue, allowing them to work toward this goal may be the right course of action. Many organizations allow for a development program to help fill the voids in their workforce. By setting up such a system, the applicant can work and learn the job while also making strides toward whatever education is necessary. Generally, a limited time period is enforced to discourage abuse of the system.
Potential Growth and Advancement
Another key factor may not necessarily show up on prior experience and educational credentials. Your business may be looking for an individual who is motivated and willing to grow into a larger and more specialized position. If such an applicant is desired, be sure to place an emphasis on future aspirations during all phases of the process. Grooming an individual for a position in the future can be a significant investment for your company. Having such a person walk away from your organization or fold under the pressure is not entirely avoidable, but this potential issue can be mitigated to some degree by taking the proper precautions in the hiring process.
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