As a Hiring Manager, it's essential to recognise the critical role timing plays when recruiting candidates. Filling an open position quickly may seem like the priority, but rushing the hiring process can have negative consequences in the long run.
If you wait too long to start recruiting, you risk missing out on top talent already hired elsewhere. On the other hand, if you rush to hire, you may settle for a candidate who isn't the best fit for the role or the company.
Finding the right balance of speed and thoroughness is key. Be proactive in your recruiting efforts, but carefully evaluate candidates to ensure a successful and lasting hire.
When planning around the timing to recruit finance candidates, there are several things you can do to strike the right balance between speed and thoroughness:
Plan and start early: Begin your recruitment process as early as possible so you have enough time to evaluate candidates carefully. Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and missed opportunities.
Set clear timelines: Set clear timelines for each stage of the recruitment process and communicate them to candidates. This will help you manage expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Streamline the process: Make your recruitment process as efficient as possible by eliminating unnecessary steps and automating repetitive tasks. Get stakeholders to attend the interview simultaneously, as opposed to multiple interviews. This will help you move candidates through the process quickly without sacrificing quality.
Involve the right people in the recruitment process: Involve only the right people, such as Hiring Managers, HR, and finance team members. This will help ensure you evaluate candidates from multiple perspectives and make informed decisions.
And most importantly!
Keep candidates informed: Keep candidates informed throughout the process so they know what to expect and feel engaged. This will help you maintain a positive candidate experience, even if you ultimately decide not to hire them.
Richard Holmes is Co-Founder & Director of HPR Consulting, a leading Accounting & Finance recruitment business in Sydney, Australia.
He has been in the Executive Search & Selection Industry since 2003. He has developed a track record of recruiting senior Accounting, Finance and Commercial professionals into leading ASX-listed, private and multinational organisations. Passionate about connecting talent, he has in-depth knowledge of the Sydney market and brings significant intellectual property to his clients and candidates.