As executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, Murray Resources knows that recruiting certainly isn’t always easy. A blend of art and science, the right approach can lead to beautiful results. The wrong approach, however, can lead to disaster. So how can you avoid making recruiting mistakes when you’re looking to hire? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1. Always Be Hiring.

Don’t just look for people when you have an open position to fill. Be open to hiring when the right person comes along. Remember, many skills can be learned, but attitude and smarts matter more to ensure the right fit.

Tip #2. Look to Your Top Performers for Inspiration.

Your best employees are good at what they do and likely hang out with others who are also good at what they do. So ask them for referrals. But go beyond that and ask about which organizations they belong to and what trade publications they read. These are great outlets to place your job postings in.

Tip #3. Post What You Don’t Want.

If your job posting is vague, you’re more likely to attract a large number of candidates, many of them unqualified. But rather than including loads of detail, include a few key requirements, such as “Do not apply unless you hold an advanced degree in mathematics.”

Tip #4. Let Candidates Know What They Can Expect.

Another way to improve your job postings is to let candidates know what to expect on the job. So rather than stating something like “strong sales skills required,” instead state “a typical work week includes at least five sales meetings, in which you will be expected to educate customers about the benefits of our products.”

Tip #5. Require Some Homework.

It’s hard to tell how well a candidate will do on the job with just a resume and cover letter. So create an assignment for the top candidates to complete before making a hiring decision. This will really show you who is passionate about the company and who’s not.

Tip #6. Ask the Candidate What They Want.

One way to see if a candidate is a good fit for the organization is to ask them about what their dream job looks like. By finding out what a candidate really wants, you’ll have a better sense of whether their desires and your needs blend well together.

Want Some Help With Your Recruiting Process?

If you do, give Murray Resources a call. As executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we’ve been providing world-class recruiting services to leading companies in Houston for over 23 years. If you’d like to learn more about what we can do for you, please contact Murray Resources today.