There are times when it’s tough to find one candidate to consider. And then, there are other instances where you have to choose between two great candidates. It can feel like winning the lottery…until, of course, you have to make a decision.

How can you go about choosing, so you extend the offer to the best person? Here are some tips to put to use:

Make a pros and cons list.

This can seem like an old-fashioned way to approach it, but sometimes it’s best to get the information out of your head and onto paper. When you do, identify the key needs you have for the position and then list out the pros and cons of each candidate. See which one checks the most boxes for your particular demands and consider hiring them.

Looking for any specialized skills.

When you have to choose between two candidates, it’s important to dig deeper into their background, experience, and abilities and read between the lines. For instance, they might have a skill, habit, or attitude that’s not critical for the job, but it showcases a personality trait or aptitude that will help them perform better.

For instance, if you found out during the course of an interview that one candidate is an avid runner, then you know they’re disciplined, hard-working, and goal-oriented. These are traits that could serve them well in your position.

Test them.

Give both candidates a test to help you evaluate their work ethic, drive, ability to meet a deadline, and creativity. It shouldn’t be anything that takes them longer to complete but should be an assignment that enables you to evaluate real-world work quality, so you can get a better sense of who is right for you.

Take them out for lunch.

If you’re still not sure, take them out of the office setting and into a more casual environment, such as for lunch or happy hour. Observe how they interact with others, like the wait staff, and evaluate their body language, manners, and other areas that can give you more insight into what they’d be like if hired.

Go with your instincts.

If you have a strong gut feeling about one candidate over another after you’ve gone through all this, go with your instincts. As an experienced hiring manager, there’s something your subconscious is picking up on, and trusting it can often pay off.

If you need more help making your next great hiring decision, Murray Resources is here for you with our many recruiters near you. We’ll take time to learn about your hiring needs and goals, then hit the ground running finding great-fit candidates. Contact us today to learn more.