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How to Choose a Staffing Agency: A Comprehensive Guide

September 20, 2023 by Lacey Walters

In today's competitive corporate environment, finding the right talent is more crucial than ever. According to a recent poll we conducted, hiring managers and business owners emphasized the importance of candidate quality, responsiveness, industry connections, and cost-effectiveness when choosing a staffing agency. But with so many options available, how do you select an agency that aligns best with your company's needs? This guide will delve deeper into these factors and more, ensuring you make an informed decision.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Staffing Agency

The decision of choosing a staffing agency can be a game-changer for your organization. According to the American Staffing Association, over 3 million people are employed through U.S. staffing agencies each week. This statistic underscores the pivotal role these agencies play in the modern employment landscape. The right agency can provide access to a broader talent pool, offer industry-specific expertise, and reduce the time-to-hire, which can be invaluable in a competitive market. Furthermore, with the evolving nature of the job market, having a reliable partner to navigate these changes can be a significant advantage.

Tap into Blue Signal's Staffing Expertise

Specialization Matters

Different staffing agencies cater to various sectors, from IT to healthcare to manufacturing. When choosing a staffing agency, it's essential to select one that specializes in your industry. A specialized agency will have a deeper understanding of the skills required, industry trends, and the challenges specific to the sector. For instance, the manufacturing industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with a growing emphasis on automation and digital transformation. In fact, our recent article on navigating the manufacturing workforce evolution delves into the importance of upskilling and reskilling in this sector.

An agency well-versed in manufacturing will be better equipped to find candidates adept at navigating these changes. Moreover, specialized agencies often have established relationships with professionals in the field, ensuring a faster and more accurate matching process. This specialization can be the difference between finding a candidate who merely fits the role and one who excels in it.

Reputation and Track Record

In the age of online reviews and testimonials, it's easier than ever to gauge an agency's reputation. Look for agencies with positive feedback, especially from companies in your sector. Additionally, consider the agency's track record in terms of successful placements, client retention, and candidate satisfaction. A reputable agency will often have case studies or success stories that showcase their expertise and the results they've achieved for clients. Remember, a company's reputation is often built on years of consistent performance and client satisfaction.

Woman wearing hard hat and business suit in a manufacturing facility, smiling and speaking with a bearded man

Cultural Fit

Beyond skills and qualifications, it's essential to find candidates who align with your company's culture. A good staffing agency will prioritize understanding your company's ethos, values, and work environment. This ensures that the candidates they recommend will not only be skilled, but also a good cultural fit, leading to better retention and productivity. It's a well-known fact in HR circles that employees who align with a company's culture tend to be more engaged, productive, and loyal. This alignment can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover, both of which are beneficial for any organization.

Transparency and Communication

Open communication is the cornerstone of a successful partnership. The right agency will keep you informed throughout the recruitment process, providing regular updates and feedback. They should also be transparent about their fees, terms of service, and any other pertinent details. In an industry where trust is paramount, clear and consistent communication can make all the difference. A transparent relationship ensures that both parties are on the same page, leading to better outcomes and a smoother recruitment process.

The Role of Technology

Modern staffing agencies leverage technology to streamline the recruitment process. From AI-driven candidate matching to advanced analytics for market insights, technology plays a pivotal role in modern recruitment. Choose an agency that harnesses the power of technology to offer more efficient and effective solutions. The integration of technology can significantly reduce the time-to-hire, ensuring that companies can quickly onboard the talent they need. In today's digital age, not leveraging technology can put companies at a disadvantage.

The Cost Factor

While it's tempting to go with the most affordable option, it's essential to understand the value an agency brings. A more expensive agency might have a vast network, advanced tools, and a proven track record, offering better value for money in the long run. It's crucial to weigh the cost against the potential benefits and long-term ROI when choosing a staffing agency. Investing in a premium agency can often lead to better talent matches, reducing turnover costs in the long run. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best when it comes to long-term value. If you’re considering choosing a staffing agency to partner with, be sure to check out what sets Blue Signal Staffing apart from the competition.

Long-Term Partnership

Consider your relationship with the staffing agency as a long-term partnership rather than a one-off transaction. An agency that's genuinely invested in your success will go the extra mile, offering post-placement support, ongoing training for candidates, and regular check-ins to ensure everything is running smoothly. This long-term perspective can be invaluable, especially as your company grows and evolves. A partnership approach ensures that the agency is always aligned with your company's goals and objectives.

Team of 5 diverse employees going over information about staffing agencies to make a decision together

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right staffing agency is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your organization's success. By considering the factors mentioned above and conducting thorough research, you can find an agency that aligns with your needs and helps you navigate the complexities of the modern employment landscape. If you're interested in further insights on this topic, our previous blog post offers a deep dive into the benefits of staffing agencies for businesses.

In the words of Henry Ford, "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." Partnering with the right staffing agency embodies this sentiment, paving the way for collaborative success. And if you're considering choosing a staffing agency, Blue Signal Staffing is here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Partner with us for your next hire.

Set up a free consultation with a recruiting manager. Tell us about your hiring need.

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    Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: Agency Specialization, Business Success, Candidate Matching, Change Management, Choosing a Staffing Agency, Communication Skills, Contract Employees, Cost Efficiency, hiring, Industry Specialization, Industry Trends, job market, Long-Term Partnership, Market Knowledge, Modern Employment, onboarding, Permanent Employees, recruitment, Recruitment Analytics, Recruitment Partnership, Recruitment Process, Retention Rates, ROI, ROI in Staffing, staffing, staffing agency, Staffing Costs, Staffing Expertise, Staffing Network, Staffing solutions, Staffing Value, Talent Acquisition, Temporary Professionals, Temporary Staff

    Unlocking Success: The Benefits of Staffing Agencies for Your Business

    August 23, 2023 by Lacey Walters

    In today's competitive business landscape, the benefits of staffing agencies are becoming increasingly apparent. Finding the right talent is more crucial than ever, but the hiring process can be time-consuming, costly, and fraught with challenges. The U.S. staffing industry is expected to grow 6% in 2023, reflecting the increasing reliance on staffing solutions. Whether it's temporary staffing, contract hiring, or specialized recruitment, staffing agencies provide tailored solutions that align with your business goals. We'll explore these benefits, with a special focus on how Blue Signal can be your strategic partner in achieving your hiring goals.

    Contact Blue Signal for Assistance with Your Staffing Needs

    Flexibility and Speed in Hiring

    One of the primary benefits of staffing agencies is the flexibility and speed they bring to the hiring process. The decision to leverage the benefits of staffing agencies is often driven by the need for efficiency, expertise, and flexibility in the hiring process. According to a study by the American Staffing Association, companies that use staffing agencies are 38% more likely to report higher productivity. These companies also reduce their time-to-hire by as much as 50%.

    Quick Hiring

    Staffing agencies have access to extensive networks of candidates, enabling them to place urgent roles fast. This agility is vital in industries where time-sensitive projects are common. Whether it's a temporary position to cover a sudden vacancy or a specialized role for a critical project, staffing agencies can quickly find the right fit, reducing downtime and ensuring continuity.

    Text over an image of a hand holding a stopwatch. Text states "Companies that use staffing agencies reduce their time-to-hire by as much as 50%."

    Comprehensive Support

    From the initial search to the final onboarding, staffing agencies handle every aspect of the recruitment process. This includes crafting job descriptions, advertising vacancies, screening resumes, conducting interviews, negotiating offers, and managing onboarding. By handling these tasks, staffing agencies free up valuable time for businesses, allowing them to focus on core activities.

    Risk-Free Selection

    Staffing agencies offer expert support in candidate selection, providing insights into suitability, cultural fit, and long-term potential. With their expertise, businesses can make confident and risk-free hiring decisions, knowing that the selected individuals align with the company's values and goals.

    Cost-Effective Solutions

    Staffing agencies employ optimized recruitment strategies to ensure businesses derive maximum value from their investments. This approach not only effectively controls costs but also meticulously aligns with the specific needs of businesses. Whether it's temporary staffing for peak seasons, contract hiring for specialized projects, or permanent placements for enduring roles, one of the benefits of staffing agencies is that they guarantee businesses only pay for what they need, when they need it. This alignment of services with business needs ensures quality is maintained while controlling costs.

    Access to Specialized Skills

    Specialization is one of the standout benefits of staffing agencies, allowing them to connect businesses with candidates that possess the right skills, qualifications, and experience. Whether it's in IT, healthcare, engineering, or finance, these agencies have the expertise to find the perfect match for any industry.

    Industry-Specific Expertise

    Staffing agencies often specialize in specific industries, this specialization enables them to understand the unique requirements of each field, ensuring that they find candidates with the right skills, qualifications, and experience. Whether it's a software developer with expertise in a particular programming language or a financial analyst with experience in mergers and acquisitions, staffing agencies can find the perfect match.

    A list of icons showcasing Blue Signal's industry expertise in areas such as Wireless & Telecom, Emerging Technology, Manufacturing, Construction, Renewable Energy, and more.

    Global Talent Pool

    In an increasingly globalized world, staffing agencies provide access to a worldwide talent pool. This enables businesses to find candidates with unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that may not be readily available in the local market. Whether it's a multilingual customer support representative or a supply chain manager with experience in emerging markets, staffing agencies can connect businesses with the global talent they need.

    Enhancing Diversity

    Diversity is more than just a buzzword; it's a business imperative. In fact, diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their peers. This is where the benefits of staffing agencies come into play, they play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that businesses benefit from a diverse range of candidates, enhancing creativity, innovation, and performance.

    Inclusive Hiring Practices

    Staffing agencies promote inclusivity by ensuring that recruitment practices are free from biases. This includes using objective assessment tools, conducting structured interviews, and providing diversity training to hiring managers. By fostering an inclusive hiring environment, staffing agencies help businesses attract a diverse range of candidates, enhancing creativity, innovation, and performance.

    Building a Diverse Culture

    By providing access to diverse talent, staffing agencies help businesses build a culture that reflects the diverse communities they serve. This includes supporting initiatives such as employee resource groups, diversity mentoring programs, and inclusive leadership development. By fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, staffing agencies help businesses unlock the full potential of their workforce.

    Image of 5 job applicants waiting to interview with a text overlay. Text states "Diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their peers - Diversity Matters by McKinsey & Company"

    Industry Insights and Expertise

    Beyond mere recruitment, one benefit staffing agencies can offer businesses is a wealth of industry knowledge and insights. From strategic guidance on workforce planning to in-depth market trend analysis, these agencies provide businesses with the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve.

    Strategic Guidance

    Staffing agencies offer strategic guidance, helping businesses align their recruitment strategies with long-term goals. This includes workforce planning, talent mapping, and succession planning. By aligning recruitment with business strategy, staffing agencies help businesses build a talent pipeline that supports growth and success.

    Market Trend Analysis

    Staffing agencies provide insights into market trends, salary benchmarks, and competitive landscapes. This includes conducting labor market analysis, monitoring industry developments, and providing actionable insights. By staying ahead of market trends, staffing agencies help businesses make informed decisions, optimize talent strategies, and gain a competitive edge.

    Picture in the background of a magnifying glass enlarging the outline of a cartoon person. Text overlay states: "Benefits of Staffing Agencies: Flexibility and Speed in Hiring, Access to Specialized Skills, Enhancing Diversity, and Industry Insights and Expertise

    Blue Signal Search: Expertise in Staffing Excellence

    With a dedicated team of over 60 specialty recruiters, Blue Signal stands as a beacon of excellence in the staffing industry. Blue Signal offers contract staffing and temporary recruiting services, taking the hassle out of hiring. Temporary and contract staffing sales totaled $32.3 billion in 2022, a 19% increase from the previous year, reflecting the growing trend towards flexible staffing solutions. Our commitment is not just about filling roles, though, it is about understanding the unique hiring intricacies of each client.

    We offer a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates across various sectors, ensuring businesses find their perfect match. Our advanced applicant tracking system (ATS) guarantees real-time delivery of top talent, right when businesses need it. Moreover, our flexible pricing models cater to both singular hires and large-scale recruitment. Beyond just staffing, we act as a consultative partner, providing businesses with valuable industry insights, market pay data, and employee supply/demand analytics.

    For example, our fastest hiring option, contract staffing, allows you to keep your projects on schedule without the burden of handling the candidate search, screening process, payroll, taxes, and insurance needs. Dive deeper into our offerings by exploring our industry pages and witness how we've been driving success and innovation for businesses across the spectrum.

    Conclusion

    The benefits of staffing agencies go beyond simply filling vacancies. They offer a strategic partnership that aligns with your business objectives, providing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, specialized skills, industry insights, and diversity. In an ever-evolving business world, staffing agencies can be your ally in unlocking success and driving innovation.

    Explore more about how staffing agencies can support your business goals by contacting us today.

    Meet the Blue Signal Staffing Team

    Partner with us for your next hire.

    Set up a free consultation with a recruiting manager. Tell us about your hiring need.

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      Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: contract hiring, cost-effective hiring, diverse hiring, flexible staffing, hiring, hiring best practices, hiring efficiency, hiring productivity, hiring solutions, hiring strategy, industry-specific recruitment, recruitment benefits, recruitment trends, staffing, staffing agencies, staffing excellence, staffing industry, staffing industry insights, staffing roi, Staffing solutions, talent management, Temporary Hire, temporary staffing, workforce planning

      Top 5 Recruitment Trends for 2023

      March 3, 2023 by Taylor Leonard

      As we settle into the new year, the job market continues to evolve, and hiring managers are adapting to new recruitment trends to attract the best talent. At Blue Signal, we recognize the importance of staying up to date with the latest industry knowledge to help our clients source top talent in even the most challenging markets. If you're struggling to navigate the post-pandemic job landscape, you're not alone. In this blog, we'll explore the top five recruitment trends for 2023, providing insights on how you can stand out and succeed in your company's industry. If you’re an employer struggling in your search to hire the best candidates, keep reading to learn about the latest recruitment strategies for the year ahead.

      Remote and hybrid work is here to stay.

      women at her desk busy working from home.

      Remote and hybrid work continues to reign supreme amongst recruitment trends for 2023. The pandemic has reshaped both employer and employee expectations regarding flexibility, according to Human Resource Executive. Their research indicates over 90% of employers report that productivity has stayed the same or increased as a result of remote work, making it a viable option for many organizations. Furthermore, employees are looking for flexibility when it comes to what they work on, who they work with, and the amount they work, Harvard Business Review researchers found. This is why companies are investing in improving their employee experience, as reported by a Gartner survey of frontline worker managers. Through proper support, allowing employees to work remotely can increase their sense of value and engagement – resulting in improved employee retention for your business.

      Additionally, making a job change is more convenient than in the past now that job seekers have the ability to make the shift from home, making the opportunities and benefits much higher. As CNBC reports, "the cost of switching jobs is lower when remote work is on the table." Overall, remote and hybrid work is amongst the top recruitment trends for 2023, as it provides flexibility and convenience for both employers and employees.

      Burnout is on the rise; expand health and well-being offerings.

      Young man practicing virtual meditation in front of his lap top.

      Unfortunately, post-pandemic effects remain in the workforce and employee burnout is on the rise, making it a top concern for recruitment trends in 2023. According to Harvard Business Review, nearly 60% of employees report they are stressed at their jobs, which is higher than even the peaks of 2020. With employees experiencing burnout, companies are starting to realize the importance of expanding their health and well-being offerings to attract and retain top talent. According to Gartner, 82% of employees now say it's essential for their organizations to see them as a whole person, rather than just an employee. In response, companies are implementing proactive rest, more paid time off (PTO), no-meeting Fridays, wellness time, discussion opportunities, on-site counseling, and coaching as recommended by Gartner. These wellness initiatives demonstrate a company's commitment to their employees' well-being, help to alleviate burnout, and will ultimately lead to increased productivity and profitability in the long run.

      DEI efforts move forward.

      Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts continue to be a crucial factor in company recruitment trends in 2023. However, Gartner research reveals that 42% of employees believe that their organization's DEI efforts are divisive, and 2 out of 5 agree that a growing number of employees feel alienated by or resentful of their company's DEI efforts. To address this challenge, HR must equip managers with the tools and strategies to engage resistant employees and address pushback early on before it develops into more disruptive forms of DEI resistance. As Harvard Business Review notes, these strategies can help create a more inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, promotes equity, and builds a culture of belonging where employees feel valued and respected for their unique contributions. By prioritizing DEI efforts and addressing resistance, companies can attract a more diverse pool of talent and create a workplace where all employees can thrive.

      A chart showing 3 ways to implement DEI efforts into your company culture.

      Blue Signal is committed to integrating DEI principles into hiring practices at all levels, and we are continuously exploring ways to enhance this process. Our diversity and inclusion recruiting team possesses the expertise to attract a wider range of diverse candidates and can support you in improving your employer branding to align with D&I values.

      Diversified talent pipelines and soft skills dominate recruitment trends in 2023!

      Diversified talent pipelines and soft skills are set to dominate recruitment trends for companies in 2023. According to Harvard Business Review, organizations must shift their focus from candidates' credentials and prior experience to assessing their skills to perform the role. Gartner's research on hiring trends of 2023 shows that candidates are charting nonlinear career paths and applying for jobs outside their current areas of expertise. This shift in talent acquisition means hiring managers are now less concerned with industry experience and technical skills. An article from the Harvard Business Review states that employing a skills-based approach can ensure more accurate alignment between job seekers and employment opportunities, significantly increase the size of talent pools, and enhance internal career mobility and employee dedication. Furthermore, they report that the skills-based approach holds the potential to mitigate the inequalities in the economy and society, which are damaging to the well-being of institutions. This is why it is essential to expand your company’s range of talent sources and prioritize the development of soft skills in order to diversify talent pipelines and stay on top of 2023 recruitment trends.

      Why you should work with a recruiter in 2023.

      As recruitment trends continue to evolve in 2023, it's becoming increasingly important for companies to work with recruiters to find and attract top talent. At Blue Signal, our recruiters are experts in navigating the job market and can provide valuable insights into emerging recruitment trends, allowing companies to stay ahead of the curve and attract the best candidates. Our recruiting team can help companies build strong employer brands, which is critical in attracting and retaining top talent. By working with Blue Signal, companies can leverage their expertise and resources to find the right candidates for their organization, ensuring a more efficient and effective executive hiring process. Ultimately, working with a recruiter can help companies save time and money while ensuring they have the talent needed to achieve their business goals in 2023 and beyond.

      Don't let the daunting task of implementing these recruitment trends overwhelm you - let a professional take the pressure off your hands. Take the first step towards improving your hiring process by contacting a recruiter today!

      Implement these top recruitment trends into your hiring practice.

      With the job market constantly changing, it is essential for hiring managers to stay informed about the latest hiring strategies to attract and retain top talent. At Blue Signal, we understand the importance of staying up to date with industry knowledge and providing clients with innovative solutions to overcome even the most challenging hiring obstacles. We hope that our exploration of the top five recruitment trends for 2023 has provided valuable insights for employers looking to differentiate themselves and succeed in their respective industries. As your partner in the process, we encourage employers to stay on top of the latest hiring strategies to ensure they have the best chance of finding and securing the right candidates for their organizations. Click the icons below to join our social media community and stay up to date on all the latest hiring trends!

      Partner with us for your next hire.

      Set up a free consultation with a recruiting manager. Tell us about your hiring need.

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        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Recruiter Tips, Staffing Tagged With: 2023, 2023 hiring, blue signal, company culture, Diversity, Growth, hiring, hiring manger, hiring outlook, hiring process, hiring tips, hiring trends, human resources, job market, job trends, recruiters, recruiting, staffing, Talent Acquisition, talent pipeline, talent sourcing

        How to Grow During a Recession: Top 5 Things You Can Do to Recruit and Hire

        December 28, 2022 by Taylor Leonard

        It’s no secret the fear of a recession is on the rise. According to a recent article by CNBC, “A U.S. recession is ‘quite likely’ next year as persistent inflationary pressures force the Federal Reserve to shift interest rates higher than expected.” As you can see, the experts agree a recession may be coming in 2023. Knowing an economic downturn is likely, you may wonder how to grow during a recession.

        Blue Signal is here to answer that question. There are many things your company can do to grow during a recession and stay ahead of any economic downturn impact to your business. Our team is deeply involved in understanding the current market trends that will make a difference to your hiring strategy; an approach that is crucial for growth during a recession. While economic downturns can be scary, they also foster unique opportunities to take advantage of. According to a study from Bain & Company, there are 47% more “rising star” companies during declines than in stable economic periods. So, what makes a “rising star” company despite the consequences of an economic decline? Keep reading to learn the top five things you can do to recruit and hire during a recession.

        Top 5 Tips Include:

        Image of people sitting around table discussing with text overlay of five things you can do to grow during a recession.

        First, What NOT To Do – A Hiring Freeze

        As the fear of the recession settles in, news of layoffs begins. While downsizing may seem like the safer route, it can also bring serious consequences to your company. A hiring freeze could result in loss of profits, the opposite of its intended purpose to reduce costs. According to The Human Capital Hub, a hiring freeze can cause a decrease in productivity, bad publicity, fewer opportunities for development, and responsibilities burdening for current employees. Research of past recessions found “companies that reacted very negatively to the recession remained flat, while those companies that doubled down and took advantage of competitive moves to drive growth, actually had outsized growth coming out of a recession” according to Bain & Company.

        Rather than halting all hiring, begin by strategizing your hiring plan moving forward. It’s important to distinguish what your company needs most to succeed and grow during the recession. An economic challenge can be a great opportunity to grow, and the first step is to have a recession proof hiring plan. During a recession, it’s important to be more strategic and stay ahead of the challenges that may arise. In fact, a report from ZoomInfo found “the companies that take a more focused and targeted go-to-market approach come out on top.”

        To Grow During a Recession, Conduct a Skills Gap Analysis

        A skills gap analysis is a vital tool to utilize to identify what skills your workforce possesses and what they lack, especially if you want to grow during a recession. Conducting a skills gap analysis can help ensure the organization is ready for any changes and challenges that may lie ahead. “The analysis will prompt essential management questions, expose latent staffing problems, and map out a path to increased efficiency and productivity” states a report from SHRM. The skills gap report can guide hiring priorities, create opportunities for training and development, and provide insight on where to allocate funding.

        Steps to conduct a skills gap analysis listed on an image of a hiring manager analyzing a graphed hiring growth plan.

        Find the Right People

        It’s important to not cast your hiring net too wide. Utilizing the results from a skills gap analysis, companies can narrow down their search to fit their crucial hiring needs. According to Forbes, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity, despite the increased competition during this time. Now is the time to reach back out to passive candidates and seize the opportunity. A report from the Harvard Business Review recommends asking top leaders within your company “to list three to five great players they would have liked to have hired over the past five years and then check in with those people.” With layoffs on the rise, the Harvard Business Review suggests this is the perfect time to “source potential candidates from target sectors and companies who may now be either jobless or open to change.”

        "Quality over Quanity" graphic overlayed on an image of a business woman pointing to herself in happiness with her thumbs up.

        Offer Competitive Salary and Benefits

        During economic downturn, companies are focusing their search on highly qualified individuals to fulfill their open roles, making the talent pool more competitive than ever. As a result, competition drives up the price of high-impact workers. So, ask yourself, is your company offering an appealing package? Research from SHRM found that U.S. salary budgets are projected to grow, on average, just over four percent for 2023. The report also stated that “the labor market, inflation, and hiring and retention pressures were cited by respondents as key decision drivers in setting pay budgets for 2023, along with concerns over economic pressures.”

        But what if you don’t have the capital to increase salaries? If you don’t have room to increase your salary budget, consider offering non-monetary benefits like remote work, unlimited PTO, volunteer time off, and more. Offering remote opportunities can increase your talent search pool, provide your company with a competitive edge, and help save money. That’s right, according to findings from Fortune not only do employees save money by working remotely, but it can benefit your company too! Offering non-monetary benefits can greatly impact your ability to grow during a recession, without costing your business.

        Focus on Company Culture to Grow During a Recession.

        While economic declines can be stressful, it is important to not lose focus of building a positive company culture. SHRM states, “while it's tempting to focus on the bottom line and keep costs down, remember that your employees are your most valuable asset.” If employees are unhappy, they will not perform well and if performance is down, so is business. By building a positive, diversified, inclusive work environment, your company will stand out to job seekers and help to retain your current workforce by keeping them happy.

        A group of employees high fiving with a quote overlayed on the image reading "By building a positive, diversified, inclusive work environment, your company will stand out to job seekers and help to retain your current workforce."

        In Conclusion

        The challenges of keeping your company afloat during an economic downturn can be intimidating, and trying to grow during a recession may be even more daunting. With these five strategies to grow during a recession, your company will be equipped to not only survive but excel. As recruiting experts, Blue Signal has the industry knowledge to help your company navigate your hiring efforts during these difficult economic declines. When planning your recruiting strategy during a recession, remember to consider ways to build resiliency into your workforce. By staying clear of hiring freezes, conducting a skills gap analysis, narrowing your search for the right candidates, offering competitive pay and benefits, and focusing on the company culture, your company can find growth amid the recession. If you want to grow during a recession but are unsure of where to start, contact our team at Blue Signal today to schedule a call and address your hiring needs.

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: 2023, 2023 hiring, building a hiring plan, company culture, Growth, hiring, hiring in a recession, hiring manager, hiring outlook, hiring plan, how to build a hiring plan, Industry Outlook, job market, outlook, recession, recession hiring plan, recession-proof, recruiters, recruiting, staffing

        Building an Effective Recession Hiring Plan

        December 21, 2022 by Lacey Walters

        As the end of 2022 rapidly approaches, many companies are beginning to look forward to the new year. This is the best time of year for planning and goal setting – which includes curating a hiring plan! It is exciting to anticipate future growth and accomplishments, however, we would be remiss to not address the impending recession. While experts agree a global recession is likely coming at some time in 2023, it is nearly impossible to predict its severity or length. No matter the case, many companies will likely feel the effects of the upcoming recession.

        Not all hope is lost, though! In fact, a report from NACE provided an encouraging statistic showcasing that employers project a 14.7% increase in hiring for the class of 2023 college graduates. With all of that in mind, it is crucial to build an effective recession hiring plan to not just survive, but thrive through the recession and beyond. As a senior leader, it’s important to create a recession hiring plan, commit to it, and follow through. In times of uncertainty, your team will be looking to you for guidance, so it is crucial that you remain transparent and carry out your recession hiring plan. But how?

        Bar grpah showing NACE study on hiring trends fro college graduates with 2023 outlook

        2023 Hiring Outlook

        The first step in building an effective recession hiring plan is to evaluate the future hiring landscape. The US talent acquisition outlook is always challenging, and that trend will likely prevail in 2023 due to the fear of a recession and its effects. One positive prediction from experts is the expectation that demand for workers in America will continue to outpace supply in 2023. In addition, businesses will also face greater demand for highly skilled workers that local talent cannot cover. This means the 2022 trend of remote work dominating job openings is here to stay. This is an advantage when building a recession hiring plan as hiring managers will be able to source and hire talent outside their area!

        Why It’s Important to Have a Recession Hiring Plan

        It may seem counterintuitive, but a recession can be a great opportunity for a company to grow. Hiring and retaining high-quality workers is an essential growth strategy amid an impending recession. In fact, Bain & Company's research of past recessions showed a glaring difference in the outcomes of businesses that remained assertive in a slow economy, compared to those that took a more conservative approach. Also, companies that have continued to hire during a recession have been able to take advantage of the market. If you can, make it a priority to look for new hires during a recession — you may find the best talent is suddenly available. Since this type of financial climate can ultimately impact your bottom line, having a clear sense of your needs and filling and retaining your crucial roles first can help you streamline your budget without sacrificing essential hires. Therefore, it’s important to be even more strategic when it comes to your recession hiring plan in order to stay ahead of the challenges of a recession.

        Three women working collaboartively with ideas ona whiteboard. Reasons to have a recession hiring plan listed in the foreground

        Strategies for Building a Recession Hiring Plan

        Thus far, we have addressed concerns regarding an impending recession and looked at predicted hiring trends for the coming year. Also, we’ve discussed the “why” behind building your company’s recession hiring plan. Now it’s time to look at the “how.”  Both facets of your recession hiring plan will help you determine the best path to hiring and success through the recession, as well as beyond it.

        Look Beyond Layoffs

        Companies that emerged from prior recessions the most successful, leaned less heavily on layoffs to cut costs, and relied more on operational improvements as a part of their recession hiring plan. It is well known that layoffs can hurt team morale and dampen productivity. Across-the-board pay cuts or hiring freezes that fail to consider employee productivity have been found to backfire, damage morale, and drive away the most valuable employees. However, some layoffs are inevitable during an economic downturn. If your company layoffs are unavoidable, consider utilizing an outplacement program like the one provided by Resume and Career Services. This program strives to soften the impact of displacing employees by providing expert resources, tools, and skills needed to find a new position fast.

        Diversify Talent Sourcing

        A recession can serve as a time for your company to seize the opportunity for recruiting new and unique talent. In fact, 44% of business owners who participated in a Universum survey said they would cast a wider net to attract new talent. There are two ways to go about diversifying where you find talent to enhance your recession hiring plan. One way is to look outside of local regions in which you typically recruit. By removing geographic limitations on job searches and considering remote applicants, you can truly hire the best of the best — not just the best of who’s located nearby. Another way is to be open to candidates who may not be an exact fit for the role but are looking for growth opportunities and have the drive to learn a new skill in your industry. While focusing on work experience alone may make them look less qualified on paper, transferable skills are valuable and often make up for any gaps in experience. These candidates also give you the opportunity to train them on your specific business processes without their sometimes biased, past experiences interfering.

        Leverage Recruiters

        According to a LinkedIn article on 2023 job trends, we can expect an uptick in candidates partnering with recruiters. Therefore, companies should consider partnering with a recruitment agency that already has a thorough recruiting process — one with the expertise, experience, time, and resources to pitch your organization to top talent and successfully attract those individuals to your company.

        Partner with Blue Signal's Recruiting Team!

        Good recruiters will specialize in an industry and have a finger on the pulse of hiring trends affecting that market, as well as a network of top talent looking for new opportunities. It is especially important to keep a recruiter in your back pocket that has solid relationships with sought-after, passive candidates. This will give your recession hiring plan an advantage in the recruiting process without spending valuable time sourcing candidates on your own.

        BAckground is group of employees wokring together to develop a recession hiring plan. The foregraound lists the three main points to keep in mind when developing the recession hiring plan.

        As leaders in the recruiting industry, Blue Signal is uniquely aware of hiring challenges, especially during an economic downturn. However, there are ample opportunities for growth and a lot to look forward to in 2023 despite overall projections showcasing a daunting landscape. The number one thing hiring managers and departments can do in the face of these predictions is formulate a strong recession hiring plan and follow through. This recession hiring plan should include strategizing beyond just layoffs, casting a wider net of potential candidates, and leveraging recruiters to gain access to industry trends and top-tier candidates. Not sure where to start? Reach out to the team at Blue Signal today for an intake call to address your hiring needs.

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: 2023 hiring, 2023 outlook, 2023 recession, build teams, effective recession hiring plan, Growth, hire teams, hiring, hiring outlook, hiring plan, how to, how to build an effective recession hiring plan, human resources, impending, outlook, recession, recession growth, recession hiring plan, recruiters, recruiting, staffing

        6 Mistakes that Lose Candidates in the Interview Process

        May 13, 2022 by Lacey Walters

        In today’s job market, candidate experience is everything. In order to find and acquire the best of the best talent, companies must learn how to market themselves as employers. Unfortunately, many don’t know where to begin. With this shift from employers having their pick, to being a candidate-driven market, mistakes are being made that are costing employers good candidates.  

        With the power in their hands, candidates are prioritizing their wants and needs. Flexibility is now a necessity – in both working hours and working models, whether that’s remote options or 4-day work weeks. Candidates crave independence – they want to be given tasks and trusted to carry them out with minimal oversight. Last and certainly not least, benefits, perks, and compensation are paramount. 401K matching, covered healthcare for dependents, and unlimited PTO are becoming essentials in employee offerings.  

        Today’s candidates are well-informed. They know what employers are capable of offering their employees, and won’t settle for less than what they want. This makes the interview process crucial. It’s a company’s first impression, and can make or break a new hire depending on how it’s handled. To arm yourself and your company with knowledge, it’s important to know where the process breaks down and how to fix it. Based on Blue Signal’s own research, here are the top six interviewing mistakes, and how to avoid them.  

         

        #1 – Lengthy or Overly Intensive Application Process  

        61% of poll respondents said that the top reason they dropped out of the interview process was because it was needlessly long and/or intensive. This is an all-too-common mistake. Sometimes employers have a candidate attach a resume, then route them to their in-house applicant tracking system that has them manually fill in all of the same information. Others send applicants through rigorous rounds of interviews, where candidates find themselves repeating the same answers to interview questions, just to different hiring authorities.  

        The solution is simple. To avoid the mistake of losing candidates at the application stage, keep the process short and sweet. Invest in software or platforms that can parse and auto fill forms from a resume’s upload. Leverage more intuitive ATS systems. Weed out underqualified applicants on the front end by adding qualifying questions that allow you to skip over those that don’t meet the minimum requirements. Finally, make sure to organize and structure your interview process. Give your hiring managers the right questions to ask, make sure they are sharing their notes with the next round of interviewers, and give them the authority to cut people out of the process without wasting anyone’s time.  

         

        #2 – Not Getting True Insights From Interviews  

        21% of respondents cited that the interviews themselves were the problem. Many people felt as though the interviews lacked true insight into the role; that the process just went through the motions rather than forming a connection. Interviewers were using cliché questions that didn’t help qualify or disqualify candidates, and the candidates could tell. It seemed as though the information these queries provided were unhelpful to inform a hiring decision, since these candidates would leave only to be called back and repeat the process all over again.  

        To avoid these common mistakes, the interview process should always be tailored to the role. Streamline by cutting out the fluff. For instance, if it’s a technical role, consider making an early stage of the interview process some sort of comprehension test. You don’t need to ask how they work on a team if the role isn’t collaborative. And unless the role will be reporting in through HR, it’s okay to wait to have the candidate meet with the HR Director till after they are extended an offer of employment. This method saves time, and gets right to the point!  

        Also, be sure to arm your interviewers with strong interview questions that help provide true insights into the candidate’s capabilities. Oftentimes, leadership isn’t trained on interviewing best practices and are left to guess at it. Once they are given the proper tools, assign teams of 2-3 people to be decision makers and empower them to make the final call. This way, there won’t be too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to picking who to hire.  

         

        #3 – Inaccurate or Incomprehensive Job Descriptions 

        Next, we found that 13% of our LinkedIn audience stated that inaccurate or incomprehensive job descriptions made them bow out of the interview process. Your job description is an applicant’s first insight into your company culture, the job’s responsibilities, and is a huge tell for how you will perform as an employer. Worse yet, candidates that are in the interview pipeline may later find that the job description they read online has little to do with the role their interviewers are describing – causing deep distrust and almost certainly a candidate falloff.  

        To sidestep these job description related mistakes, make sure that whoever creates the job posting is working closely with the hiring manager. The understanding of the role, the department, its leadership, and its main goals should be one and the same. The job description should accurately represent the needs of the job so that a candidate can make an informed decision when applying, interviewing, and accepting a job offer. The more comprehensive these main points, the better prepared and aligned the applicant pipeline will be.  

        Actually, job descriptions should be seen as an opportunity for employers. They give you a chance to brag about your company and teams, and should make a candidate eager to join. Not to mention, the last thing you want is to start back at square one when it comes to a hire. Nothing could be worse than a candidate showing up on their first day – after all that time, money, and resources put into their acquisition, onboarding, and training – only to be surprised at the actual job in front of them. Reduce your turnover; improve your job descriptions.  

        Flow chart including 6 questions and solutions of mistakes

        #4 – Impersonal Communication  

        Many respondents also noted that the impersonal communication surrounding the interview process turned them off to prospects. Copied and pasted scheduling invites come across lackluster, and don’t compare to a thoughtfully written note. Especially in larger organizations, hiring messaging can treat people like numbers, and come off almost robotic in tone. As talent acquisition teams communicate with their large applicant pool, a lot of heart can be lost in translation, and can leave a candidate wondering, is this how it would feel like working for you, too?  

        By tailoring communications to the candidate, you can avoid these common mistakes. Use their names every chance you get. When passing them along to someone else in the process, make sure to give warm introductions. If possible, reference things that may have come up in conversation or things that stood out to you in their profile. A simple, “Hey – how was that kayaking trip you said you had planned for the weekend?” or, “wouldn’t you know it, my spouse went to the same college as you!” can go a long way. By giving them the same courtesy as you expect in follow up and thank you notes, personalizing communications can strengthen your interview process.  

         

        #5 – Lack of Transparency  

        Unfortunately, several candidates feel that there is lack of transparency in the interview process. Leftover sentiment from the employer-driven job market has affected candidate management into today, where employers feel the need to safeguard their offerings. Leaving compensation, benefits, and policies out of job postings leaves too much room for speculation, and results in a lack of trust in a potential employer.  

        As it stands, employers must start adding these elements to their job postings to remain competitive in the hiring market. Not only is pay transparency legally required in many states, it will also give companies better aligned candidates whose pay expectations are met by the job at hand. If your compensation range is out of the candidate’s target, it’s unlikely they’d make it past the compensation conversation anyway.  

        Additionally, it’s important to destigmatize candidates asking questions surrounding benefits during an interview. It’s typically seen as taboo or bad form when a candidate asks about benefits, time off, workplace policies, and perks during an interview. However, it doesn’t all need to be a test. This could be a deciding factor for many potential hires. At any given time, active candidates may be entertaining more than one opportunity. Many people have strong must-haves in these areas – especially those with families, differing healthcare needs, and those looking to retire. By being transparent with benefits, employers can make sure their offerings align with a candidate’s needs early on in the process. It will attract those who fit the bill, and cut out those who don’t. In essence, this is just good time savings. 

         

        #6 – Putting Too Much Emphasis on Culture Fit  

        Finally, it’s important to avoid mistakes made in the name of “culture fit.” Our audience cited several instances where in an interview, they got the sense that if they didn’t fit into the culture, they wouldn’t get the job. Because it seemed as though the role would be awarded due to popularity, and not on merit, it made these candidates shy away from the company altogether. Essentially, hiring managers may lose out on excellent hiring opportunities just because they are looking for someone who fits their team’s mold.  

         Many employers probably don’t even realize they are making hiring decisions based on unconscious biases, but unfortunately the idea of “culture fit” has perpetuated this bias time and time again. To avoid these types of mistakes, it’s good for hiring authorities to instead look for opportunities to “culture add.” Hiring people just like you, with identical backgrounds to those already on the team, will result in stale and recycled ideas. This can unwittingly result in a sounding board rather than a diverse-thinking team. To ensure your company continues to innovate, make sure to hire for culture add. Instead of mirroring the existing culture, these candidates will bring diversified experiences, which can lead to fresh new ideas! 

         

        Learning and Growing from Common Interviewing Mistakes 

        All in all, the overall lesson here is to treat prospective hires as though they were already on board. Respect their time, get on their level, and cut to the chase. Candidates are assets! Treat them well and they will bring success. Don’t, and you may lose out on your next great hire.  

         Competing in today’s candidate-driven market can be tricky. Invest in your employer branding, and that value will return 10-fold in the clients you’ll attract. Not sure where to start? Recruiters are the best marketers when it comes to the candidate audience. Working with a recruiter is a great way to boost your employer branding, break into the marketplace, and expand your reach. Contact Blue Signal today to see how we can help you navigate the interview process.  

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: Interview, Interview Mistakes, interview process, Job Descriptions, recruiting, recruiting tips, staffing, Staffing Tips

        How to Approach DEI with a Remote Workforce

        March 11, 2022 by Lacey Walters

        Over the last two years, businesses have shifted to a remote or hybrid work model as a result of the pandemic. Remote work has sky-rocketed in priority among job seekers, proving to be a top hiring trend that’s here to stay. Similarly, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has increased in priority for candidates. Recent studies have shown 2 out of 3 candidates seek out companies with diverse workforces, and 47% of candidates actively look for DEI when considering future employers.  

        While DEI efforts appear attractive to job seekers, it also brings unparalleled benefits to the company. Companies that incorporate DEI into their workplace see higher levels of engagement, productivity, and innovation. According to Deloitte, millennials are 83% more likely to be engaged at work at inclusive companies. Additionally, inclusive companies earn 2.3x more cash flow per employee. Although implementing DEI may seem like a no-brainer, it can be daunting with a remote workforce. Not sure where to start? Follow our tips below on how to approach DEI with a remote workforce. 

        Reflect on Your Current DEI Efforts 

        Graphic titled "Reflect on your current DEI efforts" with 5 questions listed below. Backround image of coworkers putting their hands together in a group.

        What Do Your DEI Efforts Look Like Today?

        All companies’ DEI efforts have to start somewhere. Before jumping into implementation, take a moment to reflect on your company’s current DEI efforts. Do you have an established DEI practice? If you don’t, you can look at how similar companies are implementing DEI into the culture of their remote workforce. At Blue Signal, our DEI practice focuses on championing diversity efforts and actively working to educate our internal recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates to ensure the hiring experience is free from discrimination and implicit bias. Examples of our DEI efforts include companywide trainings, seminars, and other educational activities. However, there is no one-size-fits-all guide for DEI. Take a look at the companies around you and use them for inspiration for establishing your own practice. 

        Who's Involved? 

        Next, reflect on who’s involved in your DEI efforts. Is the Human Resources team or DEI committee doing all the heavy lifting? It may be inauthentic to your brand if you’re not practicing what you preach. DEI efforts need to extend beyond the designated committees as the only representation. It’s important to have all aspects of the business involved, so that DEI efforts are fully assimilated into company culture.  

        Similarly, look at how your leadership team is involved. As the faces of the company, the leadership team needs to be at the forefront of company-wide initiatives, especially when working remotely. Lack of buy-in from your leadership team will reflect a lack of participation from the rest of the company. Leaders can participate through hosting virtual meetings, guiding activities, or sharing their commitment to DEI through a statement or presentation. For example, Blue Signal’s CEO Matt Walsh wrote and distributed an important message on diversity. 

        Now it’s time to look at your remote workforce. Do they play an active part in your DEI efforts? To ensure your DEI efforts go beyond a company statement, it’s crucial to engage your remote employees. Spurring participation can be tough without an in-person setting, as people are heavily influenced by those (physically) around them. However, you can get your remote employees involved through virtual training, discussion boards, online seminars, or activities. To involve our remote workforce, Blue Signal has held virtual DEI certification trainings, created employee-led groups, and given back to underrepresented groups in the community through philanthropic donations. 

        Is Your Management Team an Accurate Reflection? 

        Finally, how does your management team reflect your DEI efforts? Despite diverse management teams leading to 19% higher revenue, 78% of employees who responded to a Harvard Business study said they work at organizations that lack diversity in leadership positions. When looking at your management team, do they represent diversity in age, gender, and/or race? If not, make a plan to address that and begin to implement DEI into your hiring practices. 

        Implement DEI into Your Hiring Practices

        Diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring is more than hitting a quota. To foster a more diverse and inclusive remote workforce, it is crucial to implement DEI into your hiring practices. Consequently, setting up a diverse hiring team should be the first step in revamping your hiring and recruiting processes. This ensures DEI efforts start even before employees join the team.  

        Graphic showing a flow chart with ways to implement DEI into your hiring practices

        Recognize Unconscious Bias 

        During the hiring process (both remote and in-person), hiring managers should be aware of their unconscious bias. Unconscious bias, or implicit bias, refers to the negative attitudes or stereotypes about a group of people that impacts an individual’s understanding, actions, and choices unconsciously. According to BrightTalk, “79% of HR professionals agree that unconscious bias exists in both recruitment and succession planning decisions.”  

        Understand Microaggressions 

        As a result of unconscious bias, microaggressions can occur. Microaggressions are brief verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults to marginalized individuals and groups. Both unconscious bias and microaggressions are forms of discrimination that can hinder the hiring process. 

        Increase Personal Awareness 

        Increasing awareness through education and training can help prevent unconscious bias and microaggressions altogether. Harvard University offers free online tests to uncover implicit bias, with topics spanning religion, race, sexuality, appearance, and ability. Hiring managers that are aware of these factors within themselves will be able to better implement DEI best practices into the hiring process. 

        Look for “Culture Adds” 

        In addition, hiring managers should look for candidates that are a “culture add” rather than a culture fit. “Culture adds” are potential employees that could add to the existing culture by bringing their diversified ideas and experiences, rather than mirroring it. Looking for those candidates that will build on to your culture will eventually result in more diverse teams. Ultimately, implementing DEI into your hiring practices will set the foundation for a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

        Provide Resources 

        Whether you're a veteran in the DEI space or just learning about it, resources can greatly benefit your DEI practice. Providing resources can encourage employees no matter where they are in their personal DEI journey. However, with a remote workforce, it can be difficult to gauge where each employee is in their journey. Through one-on-one discussions or surveys, you can assess each employee and provide them with apt resources; such as online article libraries, DEI newsletters, infographics, or quarterly book clubs. It’s important to have resources that are readily accessible and at every level of experience.   

        Companies can also establish groups or forums where diversity, equity, and inclusion are promoted, encouraged, and can be discussed. Our employee-led group, Blue Signal Search Women of the Workplace (BSS WOW), serves to promote the education, connection, and empowerment for women (and those who support women) and their contributions to the broader goals of Blue Signal and beyond. BSS WOW meets virtually bi-monthly, covering complex topics on diversity and inclusion, biases, intersectionality, discrimination, privilege, and more. This resource has positively affected the remote culture at Blue Signal and has increased involvement in other companywide DEI efforts.  

        Watch the video below to hear from some current members about how BSS WOW is breaking biases, how it's impacted company culture, and what they’ve learned from the group. 

        Embed DEI into Your Remote Culture 

        DEI is not a single initiative, but an element that should be embedded into your company culture. In the age of working from home, new obstacles arise daily – but a remote workforce doesn’t have to be one when implementing DEI efforts. You can still implement initiatives and activities virtually. Consequently, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your remote culture will bring unparalleled benefits in maintaining connections. 

        When dealing with a remote workforce, the aspect of inclusion is especially prominent. According to Gallup, the biggest struggle among remote workers is “loneliness,” as remote environments can leave employees feeling isolated. Thus, establishing a sense of belonging through inclusion efforts is incredibly important. One way you can do that is by aligning company values and DEI goals with remote employees. Giving employees opportunities to provide input and help improve the company will create a deeper connection to the company, which in turn creates stronger employee engagement. However, make sure that all voices are equally heard. Establishing an anonymous DEI suggestion box could help mitigate people feeling pressured to give feedback based on being the token representative. 

        In addition to establishing a sense of belonging and increasing employee engagement, embedding DEI into your remote culture can improve innovation. Inclusive companies are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, and 1.7x more likely to be innovative. Furthermore, 74% of millennial employees believe their organization is more innovative when it has a culture of inclusion. Not only will embedding DEI into your culture ensure the continuity of the efforts, it will drive your company’s success.  

        Conclusion 

        Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a marathon, not a sprint. If having a remote workforce makes the process seem daunting, start by reflecting on your current DEI efforts. If your practice is not already established, look to similar companies and take inspiration from them. Then, strategize ways to implement DEI into your hiring strategy, as your company should be a reflection of diverse hiring. After assessing where your company is with DEI, make sure resources are readily available and varied. Finally, ensure the continuity of DEI by embedding it into your company culture. This will result in an increased sense of belonging, innovation, and engagement among remote employees. However, good leaders and companies should always be open to evolving and adjusting, as these essential factors will continue to transform as understanding deepens and needs change.  

        As recruiters, we play a key role in advancing and promoting workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. If your company needs help with DEI recruiting support, strategy, or implementation, reach out to us today.  

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: blog, company culture, D&I, DEI, DEI Resources, Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity Inclusion Equity, Equity, hiring, Hiring Practices, Inclusion, remote workforce, staffing, WFH, Work from Home

        Why Do Bad Interviews Happen to Good Candidates?

        December 22, 2021 by Lacey Walters

        In the recruiting and staffing space, we’ve all seen perfect-on-paper candidates deliver bad interviews. Despite having the ideal qualifications and experience, their interview performance ranged anywhere from lackluster to downright terrible. However, interviews are not the tell-all of how candidates will perform in the role. It’s important to not judge a book by its cover – good candidates can give bad interviews, and bad candidates can give good interviews. Taking into consideration that the average cost of a bad hire is up to 30% of the employee’s first year compensation, it’s important to hire the right people – not just the ones that interview well. As a hiring manager, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of good candidates having bad interviews, and vice versa. Consider the following factors to understand why bad interviews happen to good candidates.

        Bad Interviews Can Happen Because They’re Nervous

        Interview nerves are common, whether it’s from public speaking anxiety or even pure excitement about the opportunity. Regardless of preparation, interview anxiety can make a candidate appear less confident – they may stumble over their words, speak too fast, fidget with their hands/hair, or appear disorganized. These things can lead to cause for concern from an interviewer’s perspective and result in a bad interview overall.

        What To Do as the Interviewer

        Ease the candidate’s nerves in the very beginning by assuring the interview will be more of an open conversation than a test. The more relaxed a candidate feels, the more likely they will give honest and clear answers. You can alleviate tension in the beginning of the interview by asking open-ended questions that make the candidate feel more comfortable, such as asking about themselves, how they heard about the role, or their interests outside of work. Breaking the ice with these questions will ease the candidates’ nerves and encourage them to be their authentic selves. Lastly, don’t make a snap judgement. Allow the interview to run its course and give the candidate time to open up and relax. Judge the interview holistically, rather than passing judgement based on the first three minutes.

        Questions To Ask Candidates To Ease Nerves:

        • How would you describe yourself?
        • How did you hear about our company?
        • What do you like to do outside of work?
        Graphic displaying questions to ask candidates to ease nerves in bad interviews

        Their Interview Skills are Rusty

        A stable job history is an important factor to consider during the hiring process to weed out job-hoppers. Committed job candidates can go anywhere between 2-10 years between interviews, almost guaranteeing rusty interviewing skills. Passive candidates may also be out of practice because they aren’t actively looking for a new role. Interviewing skills are like learning a new language, it takes practice and consistent refinement. Thus, those who haven’t interviewed in a while may find themselves re-learning the ropes.

        What To Do as the Interviewer

        Look at their employment history and recognize the time that has passed between the last time they interviewed; this could be their first time interviewing – virtually or in-person – since the pandemic. To gauge their interviewing hiatus, you could ask how their job search is going so far, how their 5-year plan has changed since the last time they interviewed, or how the scope of their current role has changed since they were hired.

        Remember that interview nerves are expected, and may be amplified if they haven’t interviewed in a while. Interview nerves and out-of-practice interview skills are a lethal combination for bad interviews, even if the candidate is highly qualified for the role. On the same note, be wary of overly confident candidates – memorized responses that include fluff and exaggerated buzzwords may be an indicator of a serial interviewer. Be sure to dive deep into candidates’ answers and ask about specific accomplishments or tasks in their previous roles.

        Questions To Ask Candidates To Gauge Their Interview Hiatus:

        • How long have you been at your current company?
        • What experiences have helped you prepare for this role?
        • How have your goals changed since the last time you were job searching?
        Graphic displaying text that reads questions to ask candidates to guage their interview hiatus during bad interviews

        Their Job Skillset Doesn’t Translate to Interviewing

        The skillset required for interviewing can sometimes be very different than the skillset needed for the job. A standard interview process judges a candidate’s ability to sell themselves for the role, which requires excellent communication and people-facing skills. This could easily be exemplified for someone in management or sales roles. However, depending on the candidate’s field, this may not be their expertise. Those who are in engineering or IT roles may possess the technical skills for the role, but could have a hard time translating it during an interview since they may not interface with people regularly.

        What To Do as the Interviewer

        It’s important to recognize the difference between an interviewing skillset and the skillset required for the role. Take into consideration the candidate’s field and how communication skills are involved. Focus on the job requirement and tailor questions to highlight the candidate’s skills and experience in that area. For example, pose questions about the candidate’s background, relevant certifications or degrees, how they’ve utilized their skillet in previous roles, or specific projects they’ve worked on. Let the candidate sell themselves through explanation of skills, rather than their delivery of answers.

        Questions To Ask Candidates To Understand Their Skillset:

        • What educational training have you had that has helped your career?
        • How have you used (X skill) in previous roles?
        • Do you prefer working independently or within a team?
        Graphic displaying an interview with text overlaying reading questions to ask candidates to understand their skillset

        They’re Being Asked the Wrong Questions

        As the interviewer, you’re responsible for determining if the candidate is the right fit for the role by asking questions that speak to both their technical skills and personality. If the candidate isn’t engaged in the interview or is answering unclearly (and it can’t be attributed to the things mentioned above), it might be worth looking introspectively. Are the questions you’re asking the cause of these bad interviews?

        What You Can Do as the Interviewer

        If applicable, set up a pre-interview call with the candidate’s recruiter. This will allow you to gather details about the candidate you can specifically ask about during your interview. Next, review your interview questions. Do they specifically target the skills needed for the role? Are they relevant to this candidate’s experience? How do they assess the candidate’s cultural fit? Are they open-ended, allowing for a natural flow of conversation?

        That being said, it’s always better to ditch the script once the interview is off and running. Allow the conversation to naturally spark new questions that’ll give you a deeper understanding of the candidate’s experience and skills. This will also give the candidate a better opportunity to showcase their achievements, work ethic, and personality the way they want to.

        Questions To Ask Candidates To Encourage Thoughtful Responses

        • Instead of “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” ask “What career goals are you hoping this job will fulfill for you?”
        • Instead of “What is a difficult situation you’ve overcome?” ask “What strategies do you use to diffuse difficult situations?”
        • Instead of “What is your greatest strength?” ask “Which attribute best qualifies you for this role and why?”
        Graphic showing two forms of questions, with a background image of people shaking hands

        Red Flags in Bad Interviews

        If you notice any of the red flags below during an interview, it may be a sign that your candidate is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Be wary of these signs and utilize them to determine if a candidate gave a bad interview from the reasons mentioned above, or if they truly aren’t the right fit.

        Vague examples: If the candidate uses examples without quantifiable achievements, they may be all talk and no action.

        Highlighting the negative: Highlighting the negative in previous roles or employers could be a warning sign that they are likely going to continue that behavior at your company.

        Lack of goals: Having a lack of goals signifies a lack of motivation. If a candidate doesn’t have career or personal aspirations, they’re less likely to contribute to your company’s goals.

        Defensive response and body language: Candidates that have defensive responses and body language during interviews are likely to have a problem with authority and criticism. Make sure that their work ethic will mesh well with your management style.

        Self-centric answers: This is particularly important for candidates that will be working on teams. If a candidate only focuses on self-accomplishments and successes, their ego may become a problem. Recognize the difference between confidence and arrogance.

        What You Can Do as a Hiring Manager to Mitigate Bad Interviews

        The hiring process can reveal a lot about future employees, but it’s important to consider that great candidates can be shadowed by bad interviews. As a hiring authority, it’s vital to take into consideration the potential factors driving bad interviews – nerves, out-of-practice interview skills, non-transferable skillets, or monotonous interview questions. If you feel like the candidate could still be a fit after the first interview, set up another time to meet with them. As the hiring process progresses with a well-suited candidate, the factors listed above should vanish. However, if the bad interviews can’t be attributed to those factors, you need to be wary of the interview red flags that may indicate an avid job hopper. Set your potential candidates up for success by acknowledging these components and tailoring your interview process for optimal results.

        If you need guidance on the interview process or additional resources for effective interviewing, reach out to Blue Signal. As your partner in the hiring process, our recruiting team is positioned to support both hiring managers and candidates through the process. With our help, quality candidates are guaranteed to shine through, without the headache of enduring bad interviews.

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: bad interviews, good candidates, hiring manager tips, how to interview, interview nerves, interview performance, interview process, interview questions, interview questions for hiring managers, interviewing skills, Interviewing tips, skillset

        Employee Referrals: A Sourcing Secret

        October 13, 2021 by Lacey Walters

        The Importance of Employee Referrals

        Employee referrals may be the best kept secret when it comes to recruiting. Whether you have just begun a search or are months in the trenches, employee referrals can be an important tool when sourcing talent. Traditional methods of recruiting through career sites and job boards are starting to become less fruitful as the platforms become saturated with candidates that have dozens of recruiters pining after them. When you hit a dead end with your traditional sourcing methods, it’s time to turn to your network. Recruiters and hiring managers are realizing that qualified (and often passive) talent can be found through word of mouth – that is, through asking their network for employee referrals.

        Why Employee Referrals are the Best Source of Hire

        They’re Effective:

        Research from Jobvite found that the most effective way to find top talent is through employee referrals, citing that 78% of recruiters find their best quality candidates using this sourcing method. Despite career sites and job boards having the highest number of applications, employee referrals have the highest conversion-to-hire rate. This makes employee referrals cost effective while streamlining the timeline of the search. According to Jobvite, only 7% of applicants come from referrals. Incredibly, this small number accounts for nearly all hires – further proving that employee referrals are lucrative when recruiting top talent.

        Graphic explaining why to hire employee referrals. Paragraph of text next to a horizontal bar graph of hires by source type vs. applications by source type.

        In addition to being cost and time effective, employee referrals are the most efficient when it comes to onboarding. Employee referrals onboard with an average of 29 days from their application date, which is 55% faster than applicants on a career site (with an average of 55 days). By onboarding faster than other hire sources, employee referrals are able to get up to speed and start succeeding in their new roles quicker. Consequently, this saves companies money. With the average cost of an open role being around $18,000, having an vacancy for months on end can be detrimental. At the end of the day, employee referrals are the most effective way to save time and money during your search.

        They’re a Better Culture Fit:

        When it comes to hiring, determining if a candidate is a culture fit can be a make-or-break decision. Despite job boards and career sites attracting hundreds of applicants, candidates referred by a current employee are more likely to reflect and/or adapt to the core values and attitudes of an organization than those from other hire sources. Consequently, recruiters consider an employee referral to be the second most important factor when evaluating a candidate because those candidates are proactively evaluated as a good fit for the company by the referring party. In addition, the new hire has a cultural support system before they even step through the door; the referring party will be genuinely invested in the new hire’s success and will help them navigate the corporate culture. As a result, having an employee that you know matches the organization’s ethos and structure will not only strengthen company culture overall, but decrease turnover.

        They Have Higher Retention Rates:

        Employee referrals have the highest retention rate compared to hires from other sources, with the average length of employment being over three years. Having been referred by a previous or current employee, candidates that come in with detailed insights of the company – such as company culture and structure – have a significant advantage over their counterparts. This knowledge eases new job nerves and guarantees less speedbumps during the onboarding process. Equally as beneficial, employees who refer others also have a higher retention rate, and stay at the company 20% longer. With increasing retention rate becoming a major recruiting priority for 2021, hiring managers need to invest in employee referrals – they’re a win-win-win for the referrer, referee, and the company.

        How to Get Employee Referrals

        Employee referral programs are a tried-and-true method of unlocking top talent. According to Jobvite, 79% of organizations offer an employee referral program, and 48% of organizations are seeing a higher participation in these programs in 2021. By tapping into their current employees’ networks, companies could potentially expand their talent pool by 10x. Although employee referral programs have potential for great success, they are entirely dependent on the motivations of the referring party – whether it’s wanting to help their friend, wanting to support the company, or wanting to receive the monetary incentive provided. Therefore, this could be unpredictable and unreliable for filling urgent roles. Whilst established referral programs can be a great source for roles that aren’t time sensitive, it is also important to consider other ways to reach employees’ networks.

        Today, one of the most important networks is the one found online. Utilizing social networks among recruiters has been a common practice, but has picked up momentum in the recent years. Over one third of recruiters are leveraging social media to supplement employee referral programs. Additionally, 80% of recruiters believe that investing in social media is absolutely crucial, as more and more candidates are being found through social networks. As your network expands, so does the opportunity for employee referrals. An action as simple as a LinkedIn connection could lead to your next placement. For example, if you have 500 connections on LinkedIn and each of your connections has 100 connections, that totals 50,000 reachable contacts. When it comes down to it, it really is all about who you know.

        Conclusion

        Employee referrals are an unparalleled source when it comes to recruiting top quality candidates for your organization. The quality of employee referrals is reflected in their time and cost efficacy, higher conversion and retention rates, and likelihood to be a better culture fit. When searching for employee referrals, turn to your network – utilizing your company’s employee referral program or sourcing from your social network can yield an unmatched talent pool. In the midst of fighting the War for Talent, trust in Blue Signal as your partner in the process and for industry-focused tips.

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Recruiter Tips, Staffing Tagged With: company culture, Conversion Rates, culture, employee referrals, employee retention, Hire Sources, recruiting, recruiting tips, sourcing, Talent Pool

        6 Ways to Attract Remote Workers

        September 22, 2021 by Lacey Walters

        COVID-19 has forever changed the workplace in addition to how, when, and where people work. Companies have come to the realization that remote work is not just smart, strategic, and sustainable, but it improves their bottom line and provides benefits to their overall staff.

        Before the pandemic, only 5.2% of the U.S. workforce worked from home full time. Today 58% are working remotely. According to a recent FlexJobs survey, 65% of 2,000 pandemic remote workers would prefer to stay fully remote after the pandemic, and 58% say they would “absolutely” look for a new job if they weren’t allowed to continue working remotely in their current position.

        Having a significant number of “work from anywhere” employees brings new challenges for benefits design and administration. In addition to traditional benefits, like health insurance and vacation time, remote workers and job hunters seeking remote work opportunities are adding items to their checklist of qualities they’re looking for in a new job. If you plan on hiring remote workers for your team, follow these 6 tips to attract new talent.

        1. Set Clear Guidelines About Working Hours

        Since remote workers don’t necessarily have to be living near a home office location, businesses can hire candidates from different time zones. This is great for sourcing talent outside of the local pool of candidates. However, that does open the door to another set of problems, specifically ensuring coverage during hours of operation. Managers may find candidates that have a flexible schedule and can wake up early or stay up late in other time zones to meet with a team located somewhere else, but this might not always be the case.

        For organizations to stay competitive, leaders need to partner with their Human Resources teams to establish a clear set of rules regarding when people can and should be working online. It’s not just for employees based in different time zones, flexible working hours are also becoming relevant for job hunters. They want to be able to pick up their kids from school or make appointments during the day. Organizing clear expectations surrounding flex time can help companies attract the best talent.

         

        2. Continuously Review Compensation Plans

        Compensation, pay, earnings, they’re all the same thing: money. People still need to make a good wage in order to survive. With prices rising on everyday items, as well as housing and food, pay is something all job hunters are watching. Properly compensated employees are key to a company’s success.

        Although there are many factors that go into how employees are paid, businesses that take pay away from employees are often tossed into the people’s court of opinion. For instance, DoorDash received negative press after the company took tips away from their delivery drivers. Google also received backlash after cutting pay for their remote workers.

        In order to avoid risking an organization’s reputation by shortchanging employees, companies need to review their compensation plans periodically to ensure that they meet the standards of the current economic climate. As many states raise the minimum wage, remote workers are able to determine the level of pay they should receive for their work.

         

        3. Invest in the Technology That Employees Need

        Aside from proper pay, candidates need the right tools to do their work. Individuals shouldn’t be expected to outfit themselves with the technology they need to do their job, so companies need to keep the cost of technology in mind when they establish a budget for their remote workers.

        If in-office staff need two monitors for doing their work, then remote workers should be offered this option as well. If an individual needs a Wi-Fi booster in their home, that’s something else offices would normally provide for in-person workers, and need to provide for remotes as well. There is a baseline that managers can set for what will and will not be provided to their employees. This should be established by management so that everyone is held accountable.

        For remote workers, there needs to be a technology support system. Leaving them high and dry with a broken device can lead not only to frustration but possible turnover. A job seeker may ask a hiring team about their technology support for remote work in an interview, and having prepared answers will help give that person an understanding of what they can expect from the role.

        Infographic containing a list of 6 ways to attract remote workers

        4. Treat Everyone as Individuals

        In today’s climate, job seekers are digging deeper and looking beyond pay, technology, and schedules when it comes to making a career move. They want to know how they’ll be treated as an individual. It can be easy in a remote setting to group everyone together in endless meetings and not touch base with people for one-on-one sessions. However, this can cause problems for both employers and employees.

        Each person on the team has a unique set of expectations, concerns, and experiences. At the same time, each person has their own way of doing things and interacting with other team members. Managers need to consider that much like a traditional office setting, remote teams need to have individual sessions to get people’s perspectives. This isn’t just for performance conversations or project check-ins; this can also be a way for leadership to gauge how effective they are supporting their teams and discover what the company can be doing better for employees. After all, individuals are what really power successful businesses – and we should treat them as such.

         

        5. Consider Different Levels of Stability

        Everyone has their own unique work style and a preference in regard to how much they want to work. Some employees thrive working multiple jobs, while others prefer to work a single, steady nine-to-five. Companies need to think about how their current job openings can meet the standards of different types of remote workers. As flexibility and freedom become more important to new hires, businesses need to rethink their job descriptions.

        Perhaps it’s breaking one position into a few that can be outsourced to freelancers. Maybe it’s combining two different part-time jobs into one for a full-time position. Workers are being more thoughtful in their approach to returning to work, so investigating open slots to find these opportunities before making new hires will help companies operate more efficiently in the long run. Recall that these openings are meant for remote workers so consider those unique requirements as well for attracting the best person for the position.

         

        6. Create an Interactive Business Culture

        All work and no play doesn’t make the job any fun, and that’s something worth considering when hiring remote employees. How will you build a culture around people who are located around the globe? Will you video conference with everyone daily? Are people going to have to report to the office once a month?

        Knowing the answers to these questions will help organizations build a collaborative and fun virtual work environment. When potential candidates are reviewing a business, they want to know the values of it, and how everyone interacts with one another. While it is quite different pulling off culture in a completely digital world, there are many ways to succeed in doing so. Whether it’s an in-person event or a slated video conference every month, take time to relax with your team rather than talk shop.

        Much like businesses would’ve hosted in-office events like holiday parties or other celebrations, leaders need to think about translating this into the virtual world. Virtual events build comradery within a team and give the opportunity for people who don’t normally interact with one another the chance to do so. New hires rely on these events in order to network and feel part of the company. When hosting these types of events, photograph them to showcase on social media and other channels, so job seekers can see an insider’s view too.

        Job seekers are looking for many things when searching for a new position. But as remote workers, companies need to get creative and strategic with their offerings in order to stand out. By following the six ideas mentioned above, organizations can successfully pull in the best talent possible for their teams, and more effectively retain their remote workers. If you need additional help recruiting top remote talent, reach out to Blue Signal today.

        About Our Contributor, Sara Carter:

        Sara is the co-founder of Enlightened Digital, entrepreneur, and Bostonian. She spends her days writing code, chasing her children and/or dog, and perfecting her brownie recipe.

        About Enlightened Digital:

        Enlightened Digital is a digital magazine dedicated to the top tech and business news, updates, and analyses from around the web. Their aim is also to explore how these changes affect business growth and professional development for women. They believe that delivering objective facts and figures on the newest releases and events in the tech world no longer suffices to keep consumers informed. As new technology and updates hurl businesses faster and faster into a future that seems less predictable, Enlightened Digital will try to make sense of not only what is happening, but why, and how it impacts our lives.

        Filed Under: Blog Posts, Staffing Tagged With: employee retention, hiring, Job Hunt, job seekers, Remote, Remote Employees, remote work, Remote Workers, WFH, Work from Home

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