Building a successful business is similar to constructing a masterpiece, and at the heart of this project lies the cornerstone – your team. The process of recruitment isn’t merely about filling positions; it’s a meticulous art form that shapes the foundation of your company’s success.
I’ve hired in numerous circumstances, with time definitely not on my side, during a pandemic and whilst feeling like I had no more angles to be stretched in. It helped me understand the challenges of hiring, the importance of it and how to best manage it. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was the speed I needed to hire at when joining Deliveroo in Sydney, whilst the team were all new, many were leaving, we were behind targets and I had only just landed!
I’d love to dive into your hiring process further and here I discuss some vital ingredients in the role of recruitment to craft a winning team that propels your business to new heights.
1. Identifying the Right Talent: Hitting a bullseye! 🎯
Recruitment is not a numbers game; it’s about precision. Identifying individuals whose skills align with your company’s values and goals requires a discerning eye. Crafting a winning team begins with understanding the unique blend of talents needed for your business to thrive and to diligently seek out those individuals who bring them to the table. Try to find people who can be the next gem, not always searching for the people who have been there and done it, as they often can cost too much and can be too rigid to look at things with a needed and different perspective.
2. Cultural Fit: The Glue That Holds Teams Together 🫂
Beyond skills and qualifications, the importance of cultural fit cannot be overstated. A cohesive team is more than just getting boxes ticked —it’s a raw blend of personalities and values. Successful recruitment ensures that new team members not only possess the necessary skills but also resonate with the culture, fostering a collaborative and unified environment. You’ll always need a team who win and learn (not fail) together, blended with individuals who know when and how to push people and teams when required, coupled with those who know when to step back, reflect and listen.
3. Building and Embracing Diversity: Strength in Differences 🫱🏽🫲🏽
A winning team thrives on diversity. Recruitment strategies that prioritise inclusivity bring together individuals with varied perspectives, experiences, and approaches. This diversity becomes a wellspring of innovation, propelling the team to navigate challenges with creativity and resilience. We learn more from those who differ to us, not those who are a copy and paste of ourselves.
4. The Candidate Experience: A Reflection of Your Company 🪞
Recruitment isn’t a one-way street. Just as you evaluate candidates, they assess your company. Creating a positive and respectful candidate experience is a crucial aspect of attracting top-tier talent. A thoughtful recruitment process not only secures skilled individuals but also enhances your company’s reputation as an employer of choice.I always make sure I get to know the candidate, not just knowing the exams they’ve passed and the tasks they’ve completed. Make sure you always give the candidate the time and respect you’d expect if sitting an interview.
5. Play A Good Detective : Ask The Right Questions 🕵🏽♀️
Some say, you’ll know if you have the right person after 5 minutes. Actually knowing if you found the right person doesn’t happen quickly,as many new employees want to showcase the finest first impression, where things can change after their honeymoon period. You usually don’t get to know someone until times get tough. It is vital that you cover every angle in your topics you’d like to discuss and that you have every question answered. Don’t let someone’s experience cloud your goals of what to ask because you think they’re the one or that they have the right answers. Take time to iron out a recruitment process, what you intend to ask and why.
To conclude, it’s imperative that you develop a hiring process that suits you, your team and your prospectus candidates. By not doing so wastes time and effort, for every party involved and….time is money of course! As I have hired for teams across various countries and departments, I understand a variety of tactics of how to best engage with candidates and provide a streamlined recruitment process. I’m all ears if you fancy a chat.
