What Employers Candidates can do to Improve the Hiring Process - Your Career Intel

What Employers Candidates can do to Improve the Hiring Process - Your Career IntelA November column in Fortune entitled 5 Reasons People Dont Get Hired struck a strong chord with me. The author, Anne Fisher, lists five good reasons why candidates are being overlooked in an economy thats steadily improving.They dont stand out from their competitorsThey dont effectively link their experience to the opportunityThey arent sufficiently interested and excited about the openingThey focus more on their own needs and not the needs of the interviewer/employerTheyre insufficiently preparedShes absolutely correct. Every one of those flaws inhibits your ability to distinguish yourself.As someone whos been in executive recruiting for over 15 years, Ive seen hiring cycles ebb and flow. Currently, the flow is clearly on the candidates side as companies seek to recharge a talent base whittled down by the recession. They are simultaneously pursuing quantity and quality. Yet despite this competitive n eed, many have not adjusted their hiring practices to fit the new economic reality.If youre seeking talent for your organization, dont fall into this trap. Here are my top five tips to help you hire the best candidates for your companyBe prepared. Employ deep research and substantive interview prep to both impress candidates and achieve your hiring objectives.Remember that youre being interviewed by candidates every bit as much as theyre being interviewed by you. In todays economy, talented candidates often entertain multiple offers. How employers navigate an interview is often an important deciding variable for a candidate.Manage your reputation. Both in the arbeitszimmer and throughout social media highly skilled candidates will quickly discern your strengths and weaknesses. A miserable review on a site like GlassDoor can seriously damage your ability to attract top talent.Compliment your people. Its often part of every vision and mission statement but all too often, were quick to criticize and slow to compliment. Change that dynamic.Sell the sizzle. Be a dynamic representative (indeed, a marketer) for your company throughout the hiring process. Capable candidates will take notice.Its just as important for candidates to do the little things well. The following are my top five tips to help prospective candidates find the best career opportunities possibleDo your homework. You cant wing a great interview. Carefully review the job description and thoroughly research the company and the interviewer.Get help. There are a plethora of articles and tips for great interviewing. Pay attention to the trends they highlight and stay committed to excellence. Recruiters can also help immensely with interview prep. If youre using one, enlist their assistance.Be prepared but be yourself. Be real and be personable. Authenticity can be refreshingly distinctiveBe professional. After all, this is a job interview not a coffee shop catch-up conversation. Be on time and present you rself as someone whos used to dealing with people at their level.Be passionate. Enthusiasm and zest for achievement are powerfully positive signals to employers. You also need to show a genuine interest in the company, product/service, and position for which you are interviewing.Whether youre an employer or a candidate, remembering the basics can have a positive impact on the hiring journey.Im interested in what you think works or doesnt work in your interview experiences as well. Please feel free to share your experiences below.