You like to think you’re good at placing top talent. Job descriptions come across your desk all day long, and it’s up to you to figure out, in a flash, all about this particular person whose name and skill-sets are on the page in front of you.
A job description is a wonderful tool but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Having a direct conversation with your hiring manager will often uncover many hidden skills or talents unforeseen up to this point.
Here are 5 ways to dig deeper when asking your hiring manager all about the skills and experience of candidates whom you are seeking to place:
- Does the position require any special traits, such as working with challenging personalities? What about advanced language skills, or advanced computer skills?
- Will the chosen candidate need to be willing to commit to hours beyond the traditional 9-5? Are occasional weekends or holidays also something to be considered?
- Will your candidate be required to work well with a team as opposed to being a solo flier?
- Will there be opportunities for this candidate to do presentations or have to speak in front of groups that, perhaps, they are not anticipating?
- Is there any other additional information that we need to glean from the hiring manager that will get this candidate hired?
Often what you see on a resume is not the entire story. If there are issues or concerns that should be addressed before an interview commences, then these questions should be asked and answered beforehand.
These types of recruitment methods are key to successful job placement. Hiring managers are waiting for their recruiters to ask them directly all of the questions that never appear on a job description. There are hidden gems that when found out will only lead to successful placement of your candidates.