How to Handle Losing Candidates to the Competition

Losing top candidates to your competition can be frustrating. You invest a lot of time and effort into screening potential new hires, only to have them go somewhere else at the last minute. Fortunately, the problem usually boils down to one of two issues, both of which are relatively easy to fix.

Here’s what you should know.

Bloated Hiring Process

Candidates understand that hiring takes time. But jumping through endless hoops can be tiring, not to mention that applicants may need to take time off work, plan for childcare, and otherwise rearrange their lives every time you need them to come in. Streamlining your hiring process can help you keep candidates interested, while also cutting costs and taking the pressure off your HR department.

Administer skills tests early in the process. This will weed out those who are unqualified without ever needing to interview them. When you are ready for interviews, make an initial cut with a morning group interview, followed by individual interviews later in the afternoon. Try to call back each candidate no more than once after their initial interview day.

Lack of Response

Candidates tend to move on if they don’t hear something within a few days after their interview. Keep them engaged by making contact within 72 hours, even if you haven’t made a decision. If they reach out to you, be sure to respond within 24 hours. Candidates are generally more willing to wait if they know they are still in contention for the position.

Consider a Staffing Agency

One of the best ways to avoid losing top candidates to the competition is to work with a staffing agency. Your HR department likely has its hands full with internal issues, while recruiting is a staffing firm’s full-time job. Recruiters know how to keep job seekers interested, and how to pair the right person with the right position. All you need to do is explain exactly what you are looking for in a candidate, and you will be presented with fully-vetted, highly motivated candidates from which to choose.

Build A Forward-Thinking Engineering Team With PEAK

If you are looking for talented engineers who can help your organization achieve its goals in the new year, contact the experts at PEAK Technical Staffing today to learn how we can help you access cutting-edge talent.