People Management & HR

How to Make Sure Your Recruiting Efforts Aren’t Attracting the Wrong Candidates

  • 4 min Read
  • January 6, 2020

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

As a startup, the hiring process is vital to your success and plan for growth. So, the last thing you want to do is spend hours plowing through resumes and interviewing candidates only to be upset with the people you hired.  

Your goal is long-term hires, and you don’t want to waste time and money hiring the wrong people. According to Investopedia, the cost of a “full-baked” employee can range from one and a half to three times their salary. These costs can include the hiring and interview process, training, benefits, etc.  

If you hire wrong, it can be a very costly mistake.

To assist you in your hiring process, here’s how to make sure your recruiting efforts aren’t attracting the wrong people.  

 

Open Your Field Broader




 

You don’t always have to hire people with relevant work experience, especially if you aren’t hiring in the medical, law, or engineering fields.  

Because you are a startup, your fast growth means everything to your success, and you can really hamper your efforts by only looking for someone whose skill-set is exactly aligned with your requirements. 

Sometimes people overlook the best candidates because they don’t want to go through a lot of training. This can limit your access to the best talent pool.  

Open yourself up a bit and look for people who check most of the boxes, but be open to the ones who don’t check all of them.         

Get creative and look for experience and strengths that are similar to what you are looking for. For example, a big idea marketing person may be just what you need to oversee your growth in another city.  

No matter who you hire, you’re going to have to train them, so make sure this doesn’t limit you and keep you from hiring the best people. 

 

Use a Descriptive Job Description




 

 

You can also attract the wrong people with an inaccurate or incomplete job description.  

Make sure that your job description spells the duties of the job out in great detail. Your job description helps people self-identify and self-exclude themselves from your job pool.  

Consider your job description as the gatekeeper for the best candidates.  

 

Define Your Hiring Process




 

Many employers look for one specific attribute. For example, they may decide to only hire people who went to their Alma mater.  

Or, they may only interview candidates who have a master’s degree.  

Relying solely on one specific attribute can also limit your hiring field.  

Consider coming up with a complete list of attributes that are acceptable to you.  

 

Look Internally First




 

Oftentimes businesses limit themselves to only hiring new people and not looking inward.  

This can hurt you because many times you have the perfect candidate sitting at the desk next to yours. You don’t always have to look outside for new employees.  

As an added bonus, when you look inside your company, you save money on the entire hiring and even on-boarding process. 

 

Take Your Time When Hiring




 

Many companies are in a rush when hiring and want to fill open positions as quickly as possible. This again can cause you problems.  

If you can slow down and map out your hiring process, it will be better for you in the long run.  

Really know what you’re looking for, have complete job descriptions, several interviews, and an interview committee to help you search and screen for the best results. 

 

Final Thoughts




 

The best way to attract the best new hires is to first know what you want and where you want to go.  

Create a road map for your hiring and know how you will measure your potential candidates.  

Not only will it help you eliminate the wrong people, it will help you make a list of the best potential candidates.  

You can also set out a grading scale as you go through the interview process, and this will help you find the best people.  

Try to predict the quality of your new hires before you hire them, and you’ll feel more confident that you’re attracting the right people. 

Are you a new startup ready to succeed? Are you looking to get your new business off the ground and watch it rise to success? We are here for you. We can help answer your questions and guide you through the process. Outsource your HR duties, finances, payroll and more to us. Contact Escalon today to get started.   

Image: Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash 

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

People Management & HR

Streamlining HR Processes, Best Practices for Small Business Owners 

Human Resources (HR) might feel like an afterthought for many small business owners juggling day-to-day demands, yet it has a...

Read More
People Management & HR

Streamlining HR Processes, Best Practices for Small Business Owners

Human Resources (HR) might feel like an afterthought for many small business owners juggling day-to-day demands, yet it has a...

Read More
People Management & HR

Leveraging AI for Efficient People Operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants anymore—it’s increasingly accessible to small and mid-sized businesses seeking a competitive edge...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Set Up Payroll, A Guide for Small Business Owners 

Setting up a payroll system is an essential step that helps small business owners pay their employees accurately and on...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Financial Planning for the Future, Setting Long-Term Business Goals

While small businesses must handle day-to-day tasks—like managing payroll or closing monthly books—long-term planning is the compass that keeps them...

Read More
People Management & HR

Benefits Administration, What Small Business Need to Know

Benefits administration can be a game-changer for small businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. While salaries remain an...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

AAP vs. Cash Accounting: Which Method Is Best for Your Growing Business? 

Choosing the right accounting method can significantly impact how you track financial performance, manage taxes, and plan growth. Two common...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Beyond Bootstrapping: Advanced Cash Flow Management for Scaling Companies 

Bootstrapping—financing growth through internal cash flow—is a hallmark of many successful startups. But as businesses mature past their initial stage,...

Read More
Technology & Security

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

Read More