Recruiting: It's More Than Just Finding the Perfect Resume – It’s a Team Sport!

Let’s be real—when people think of recruiting, they often picture a recruiter sitting at a desk, scanning resumes, conducting interviews, and making decisions on who gets hired. But guess what? Recruiting is so much more than just finding that person with the perfect set of skills. It’s a team effort, and every single person involved in the hiring process plays a vital role in making sure we bring in the right talent.

The truth is, candidates are not just interviewing for a job—they’re interviewing us too! So, how can we, as a team, make sure every candidate walks away feeling great about the experience, even if they don’t get the job? Let’s dive in.

1. Recruiting Is A Team Effort!

Yes, the recruiter kicks things off by screening resumes and setting up interviews, but recruiting doesn’t stop there. It involves everyone—from the hiring manager to team members who chat with the candidate during interviews. Each interaction shapes how the candidate feels about the organization.

The candidate isn’t just evaluating if they want the job—they’re also thinking, “Do I want to work with these people every day?” We need to make sure the answer to that is a resounding yes by showing them who we are as a team.

How You Can Help:

• Offer thoughtful, timely feedback to the recruiter after interviews. It helps keep the process running smoothly!
• Show up with a smile (yes, I know that's a given, but it has to be said), ask genuine questions, and be approachable.
• Focus on competencies as much as skills—ask questions that dig into who they are, not just what they can do.

2. Remember, Candidates Are Interviewing Us Too!

Think back to the last time you interviewed for a job. You weren’t just nervous about impressing the interviewers—you were also paying close attention to how they treated you, how they answered your questions, and how they made you feel. Candidates today are doing exactly the same thing.

A bad interview experience can make even the most interested candidate think twice. And even if they don’t get the job, we want them to walk away thinking, “Wow, that was a great company to interview with!” A good candidate experience not only boosts our chances of landing top talent but also enhances the company’s reputation.

How You Can Help:

• Be on time and prepared for interviews. It shows candidates that we respect their time.
• Treat them with kindness and respect. Remember, interviews can be nerve-wracking, so having strong EQ (emotional quotient) can go a long way!
• Answer their questions honestly. Transparency goes a long way in building trust and excitement.

3. Let’s Stay Consistent

Imagine this: one interviewer focuses on the candidate’s skills, while another emphasizes competencies, and yet another seems to ask off-the-wall questions. Mixed messages like this can confuse the candidate and leave them wondering, “What exactly are they looking for?”

Consistency is key! Before interviews start, it's important to make sure we’re all aligned on what we’re looking for, not just in terms of technical skills but also how this person will fit into the team and company culture.

How You Can Help:

• Align with the recruiter and hiring manager on the role and what success looks like.
• Provide clear, specific feedback after interviews so the team can make informed decisions.
• Keep communication open with everyone involved to ensure a seamless process.

4. Every Interaction Builds (or Breaks) Our Brand

Whether it’s a phone screen with the recruiter or a final round interview with the Business Unit Leader, every single interaction the candidate has with us reflects on the organization. Think of recruiting as our chance to show off our brand! A smooth, positive, and respectful hiring process not only attracts top talent but also boosts our reputation in the market.

Even candidates who don’t get the job should leave with a positive impression of who we are as an organization and what we stand for. You never know when they might apply again—or refer someone else!

How You Can Help:

• Be an enthusiastic representative of the company, no matter your role in the interview process.
• Make sure the candidate knows what to expect after the interview—don’t leave them in the dark.
• Reflect the company’s values in every interaction, big or small.

Let’s Do This Together!

Recruiting isn’t just a solo mission for the recruiter—it’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of deal. We’re not just looking for the right candidate; we’re showing them why we’re the right team for them, too! Every single interaction, from the first call to the final handshake (or virtual fist bump), is a chance to win them over.

So, let’s bring our A-game! Whether you’re asking questions in an interview or offering feedback afterward, remember—we’re in this together. Let’s make every candidate feel excited to join us, and leave them thinking, “That’s a team I want to be a part of!”

After all, recruiting is a team sport, and when we work together, we can’t lose. 🎯