Steven Finkler + Vice President + AT&T+ on Hiring Processes

Business has something similar to a "buyer's or seller's market" the same way that real estate does. Too often, however, businesses believe themselves to be sellers in a never-ending seller's market. They feel they have something to offer that recruits should be bending over backwards to get. To get the best employees, this is never a good tactic. Here are 3 other mistakes companies often make when hiring and how to fix them.

1. Assuming it is simply part of an employee's job to fit in with your culture

Big name brands like Apple, Google or Starbucks have such a strongly defined corporate culture that most recruits are fully aware of what they are getting into long before they even apply. Conversely, those same corporate brands with the clearly defined cultures often go to great lengths to communicate to potential hires exactly what is to be expected of them if they are hired. Chances are good you are not a big name brand. That means you need to do even more to ensure potential recruits are a good fit for your culture before you hire them.

2. Making the interview one-sided

If you want the best employees, you can't treat the interview as if you are the only one with something to offer. If you're working with a seasoned recruit or just one with a lot of potential, they probably have other offers or at least know they can get them. They are interviewing you just as much as you are interviewing them. You would probably not give a second glance, let alone a second interview, to a recruit that kept checking their phone or didn't give you their undivided attention, so make sure you aren't doing the same thing. Also give them a chance to interview you and encourage them to do so.

3. Not making them feel welcome/ wanted

If you want employees that will give their best to the company, you (as a company) need to lead by example. Everyone wants to feel wanted and making your recruits or potential hires feel wanted or special will go a long way towards building employee loyalty later on. Whether you send a personal note and a small gift thanking them for taking the time to interview or a welcome basket if they are hired, going the extra mile for your potential hires helps set the right pace.

For more blogs, visit www.stevenfinkler.com