As top Houston staffing experts, Murray Resources knows a hiring mistake isn’t just a drain on morale and productivity. It can actually cost you up to 30% of the first year’s potential earnings, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That’s why it’s so important to avoid missteps in the first place. To help you in the process, here are some common pitfalls that can lead to hiring mistakes:

1. Vague details.

When it comes to the job description, it’s important to have a clear-cut sense of the duties and responsibilities. Not only that, but it’s also important to have a good understanding of the type of person who will be successful in the role. How many years of experience should they have? What skills and competencies are essential? Before you start searching for the perfect candidate, it’s vital to have these details ironed out first.

2. Skipping steps in the process.

From the phone screen to reference and background checks, every step of the process has a purpose. And if you skip steps during it, then you’re putting yourself at risk. So though it might take some extra time to perform phone screens and call references, it will produce better results in the form of higher quality candidates.

3. Not asking behavioral interview questions.

It’s important to ask the basics in an interview, including “why do you want to work here?” and “what do you know about the position?” But if you want to truly gauge a candidate’s skill level, it’s important to dig deeper with behavioral interview questions. This means asking candidates to give you specific examples of their behaviors, abilities and past accomplishments. When you do, you’ll get a much clearer picture of whether the candidate is right for the role.

4. Not evaluating for cultural fit.

Just because a candidate has the right skills and abilities doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for the job. Keep in mind, you’re hiring the whole person, not simply their hard skills. That’s why it’s so important to check for cultural fit. To do so, ask questions about the environment a candidate most likes working in and talk about what your company’s culture is like. A mismatch between culture and personality, on the other hand, will lead to disengagement and turnover.

5. Going it alone.

In today’s competitive marketplace, hiring the right people can be tough. That’s why it’s important to have a staffing partner that knows where to find talented, hard-working professionals. They can also reduce your time to hire, while improving the quality of those you do bring on board.

If you’re ready to outsource your hiring process to professionals, give Murray Resources a call.

As one of Houston’s top staffing experts, organizations all over the city rely on our expertise to source and retain top talent for hard-to-fill, key positions across a broad range of business disciplines. Contact us today to find out more.