So, you’ve sifted through multiple job applications and wrapped up the interviews. You’ve really dug into the details of the best candidates, but you’re still left with two excellent contenders for the role – and just one spot to fill. It’s like hitting the jackpot, right? Well, not exactly. Choosing between two great candidates can be trickier than it seems.
The longer you take to decide between two candidates, the higher the chance that one of them will drop out of the process – and even go to a competitor. How do you ensure you make the right pick?
It’s common for hiring managers to find themselves deciding between two neck-and-neck candidates in the construction recruitment process.
Here’s the good news: When you’re faced with two high-quality applicants, your chances of landing an amazing hire skyrocket! Here are a few tips for helping you choose between two good candidates without delay.
Be Clear About What the Organisation Needs
Having a clear understanding of the job requirements is essential for choosing between two candidates. Even if you know the role inside out, it’s important to consider other factors influencing what is required from the role.
Take the time to evaluate the specific skills, experiences, and attributes necessary for success in the position. Consider the overarching goals of the team, project and/or the company – how does this role fit into the larger picture?
… But Also Consider Long-term Potential
Filling an urgent job vacancy might be your most pressing issue, but it’s worth thinking about which candidate might be most beneficial to your company in the long run.
When deciding between two candidates, it does help to look beyond the core requirements of the position at hand and take a closer look at each candidate’s growth potential in your business.
Look for clues like their communication skills, leadership qualities and willingness to learn and take on responsibilities under their own initiative. These signs will indicate whether a candidate will become a valuable employee who can grow their skills over time.
Get Input from Colleagues
When hiring temporary employees and labour hire positions, it can be easy to forget that the candidate must be able to fit in with the existing team. The candidate’s ‘cultural fit’ is even more important for a permanent role.
Even though the final decision rests in your hands, another perspective can be useful. Ask everyone who was involved in the hiring process for their recommendations. Where possible, get the opinions of the team members the new hire will be working with, if they have participated in the interview process.
If you’ve engaged a recruiter to help you through this process, call on their expertise to give you additional insights. Regardless of whether they specialise in labour hire or permanent roles, a recruiter with knowledge of your industry will give you advice based on the availability of skills in the broader market.
Look at Secondary Skill Sets
Chances are, both candidates have similar abilities and experience, so you may need to look beyond the core requirements of the vacant position. Consider any secondary skill sets or personality traits they have that are lacking in your team.
Having a diverse team with a variety of skills and experiences will add value to your business. Perhaps the answer might be to hire the person that rounds off your team.
Seize the Opportunity
If you have weighed up all of the above and still can’t decide between two candidates – why not hire both? That is, as long as this is an option that is viable for your business, with enough work to keep both candidates engaged and happy.
Provided you expect more work in the near future, it might be more cost effective to hire two great candidates now and save time and money later when new projects need to start and you have to start searching for more staff to manage them.
Make The Decision
If all else fails, trust your instincts and make the call. Whatever you decide, remember to check in with the unsuccessful candidate from time to time. By doing this, you’ll be able to keep the relationship ticking over, so that when your next hiring need arises, your runner-up candidate may be your next star hire.
Get Dedicated Construction Recruitment Support in New Zealand
Looking to streamline your construction recruitment process or in need of expert hiring support for your upcoming project in New Zealand? Look no further than OneStaff, your trusted construction recruitment and labour hire specialist. With our extensive experience and industry knowledge, we’re here to guide you through every step of the selection process.
Whether you need assistance with hiring the right people for your team, managing temporary employees, or managing special projects, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can support your business.
