Hiring managers are the gatekeepers of the workforce. And their habits can make all the difference in finding and retaining top talent.
You, of course, want the Michael Jordan of hiring managers on your team (sorry, Lebron fans ¯\(ツ)/¯) to recruit the very best talent.
That’s why we’re taking a page from Stephen Covey’s classic book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and adapting it to the world of hiring.
From crafting killer job descriptions to knowing when to make an offer, these are the 7 habits that every effective hiring manager should adopt in 2023.
Habit 1: Creating an efficient hiring process
An efficient hiring process can make a world of difference in attracting top talent, saving time and reducing costs. The holy trinity!
If your hiring manager can do this, you’re golden.
It starts with a clear understanding of your company’s goals and the skills and qualities you seek in candidates. Then in the recruitment process, the hiring manager shows candidates your company values their time and is serious about finding the right fit – not just a fit.
Do these 3 things to be well on your way to moving candidates along:
- Standardize and document operating procedures so training new team members is easy
- Automating tasks where possible, such as reference checks and scheduling
- Speed up your hiring process to really impress top candidates
Habit 2: Crafting killer job descriptions
Ah yes, the job description – the Magna Carta of your recruitment process. A crucial document that sets the tone for your hiring process.
Job descriptions help you attract the right candidates, communicate your expectations and streamline your selection process.
While 72% of hiring managers believe their job descriptions are effective, only 36% of candidates agree. So if you think you have good job descriptions, think again.
Get feedback from third parties to adjust and improve them.
Here are 5 more tips:
- Start with the high-performing candidate in mind and “speak” to them in your job description
- Highlight the unique aspects of your company culture, benefits, and career opportunities
- Use clear and concise language that appeals to both passive and active candidates
- Use social proof and real case studies to show your employee experience
- Answer the following questions in your description:
- What will they do?
- How will they grow?
- What will they learn and become?
- What is the ideal career or experience level?
- What is the opportunity to make a significant impact?
Habit 3: Staying ahead of the game
The world moves super fast. And even faster for our youngest generations.
To be an effective hiring manager, you need to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate industry trends and shifts. This will, in turn, help you make empathetic decisions and stay competitive.
Hiring managers who stay ahead of the game are more likely to be successful in attracting top talent.
Want 3 more tips?
- Embrace technology to improve the hiring process for your candidates and your team
- Adapt to changing candidate demands, preferences and expectations
- Stay alert to what your competitors are doing to recruit talent
Habit 4: Continuously improving
Jordan didn’t quit once he was the best. Instead he went on to win even more championships and awards.
The best hiring managers continue to improve.
They reflect on hiring practices and seek ways to optimize the process. By always improving, effective hiring managers find top talent faster. They may even attract them without trying.
- Regularly assess your recruitment strategies for gaps and opportunities
- Get feedback from past candidates and new hires, plus your own team
Habit 5: Leveraging technology
If you’re not using technology to augment your team in 2023, you’re losing.
Technology is transforming the way hiring managers work, and it’s essential to adopt the right tools to get the best talent.
Recruitment tech can help you automate your processes, source better candidates and reduce your time-to-hire.
Hireology says “HR leaders spend an average of 12 hours each week on routine tasks such as answering calls, responding to emails and updating spreadsheets.” If your hiring manager can figure out how to automate these tasks, he or she is a winner.
- Familiarize yourself with the latest recruitment tools and platforms
- Automate your processes where possible
Habit 6: Building relationships
The best hiring managers never stop networking. With others in your industry – both inside and outside of your organization.
Networking will help you stay informed of new trends, find new opportunities, and build your reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable hiring manager.
Plus, building a trusted and connected team is critical.
- Learn what others in the industry are doing to hire great talent
- Encourage open communication and feedback on your team
- Build trust and respect with the rest of the organization
Habit 7: Soliciting feedback
Let’s face it – Your hiring manager isn’t right about everything.
If they think they are, oof… Not a good sign.
Feedback helps hiring managers understand their strengths and more importantly, weaknesses – so they can fill those holes. It can also help you get a fresh perspective on your hiring process.
Hiring managers who regularly solicit feedback will be more likely to adjust and optimize their personal approach to hiring and the recruitment process in general. Always improving.
- Act on feedback to make improvements to your recruitment cycle
- Regularly review your hiring processes and strategies
- Ask for feedback from your team and colleagues
Those are the 7 habits of highly effective hiring managers:
- Creating an efficient hiring process
- Crafting killer job descriptions
- Staying ahead of the game
- Continuously improving
- Leveraging technology
- Building relationships
- Soliciting feedback
Need help building a talent acquisition team and strategy? Field of Talent supports organizations like USA Gymnastics in their efforts to hire better talent faster.
Get a free consultation here.
