When it comes time to hire, making a decision can be tough. How can you tell if the candidate is really the right fit? There’s a lot on the line, after all. However, when you take time to step back and assess your candidates, you’ll be able to find the one who’s a match for your opening. Here are some ways to do that.

Identify your ideal candidate.

Before you start looking for candidates, identify the traits, skills and other needs you have. Paint a picture in your head of what your ideal candidate looks like.

Are they highly organized and detail-oriented? Are they strong critical thinkers and communicators? Or do you need someone who is extroverted, friendly and works well with others? Outline those critical details you’re looking for in a new hire, so you can more easily screen each candidate.

Ask behavioral-based questions.

During the interview process, ask detailed, behavioral questions based on the position you’re hiring for. For instance, if you’re looking for a customer service representative, inquire about a time they dealt with an unhappy customer and how they handled it. This will give you some insight into their skills and abilities, as well as how they work under pressure.

Keep company culture in mind.

When it comes to finding someone who’s a fit for you, you must keep culture in mind. You need to hire employees who can do more than perform the job, but who will also mesh well with the environment and other team members. If they don’t, this can disrupt your workforce and cause problems with morale and productivity.

Give them an assignment.

If you have a top few candidates you can’t decide between, give them a homework assignment related to the job. This will help you better evaluate their skills, as well as other important areas, like whether they can meet deadlines and follow directions.

Check references.

When a candidate seems like a great fit, don’t skip this critical last step. Make sure you’re running a social check online and also verifying their references. This will help you uncover any issues or discrepancies, so you can make a final hiring decision with confidence.

Do you need help hiring for your team?

At Murray Resources, we can help you find and hire candidates who are a great fit. As one of the top staffing firms in Houston, we know where to source candidates, how to screen them thoroughly, and ways to check and verify their backgrounds. This all translates into an excellent match for you. Contact us today to get started.