Securing an accepted offer from a strong candidate is the ultimate goal for recruiting. So how do you make your offer stand out from the rest? We’ll cover the strategies that successful recruiters use to close the deal. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just starting out, read on for expert insights.
Candidate and Hiring Manager Experience Matters
In the world of recruiting, the experiences of both the candidate and the hiring manager are crucial to the success of the process.
According to Scott Thompson, Owner of Lexicon Solutions, the candidate experience has become increasingly important in recent years. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on the little things that can make a big difference, such as setting expectations, discussing deal breakers, and providing interview preparation. Yet, building a strong partnership by supporting, educating, and empowering hiring managers is key to a successful placement.
The Kickoff Call: Essential Information to Gather
A successful recruitment process starts with a thorough kickoff call. This is the first step in identifying the right candidates for the job. During this call, it’s essential to capture important information that will help guide the hiring process:
Position Details:
One of the most important steps in the hiring process is getting detailed information on the position from the hiring manager. This information is critical when creating an accurate job description and targeting the ideal candidates.
Ask questions to help paint a clear picture of what the organization is looking for, such as:
- “What are the expectations for the person in this role?”
- “Are they required to wear many hats?”
- “Is travel required?”
- “What are the absolute requirements for the job vs. wish list items?”
Start-time expectations:
During the recruitment process, it’s essential to set realistic expectations for the new hire’s start date. Many candidates prefer to take some time off prior to their start date to clear their heads or get things squared away at their current job.
It’s important to note that hiring managers may not always include this information as they focus on their job responsibilities. So, discussing start date expectations during the kickoff call is crucial to avoid any confusion or miscommunication that could impact a successful hiring experience.
Compensation and total rewards package:
During the recruitment process, a clear understanding of the total rewards package the organization offers beyond compensation is a must. This can include benefits such as health insurance, 401k matching, tuition assistance, and paid time off. By clearly understanding what the package looks like, you can better communicate the benefits to candidates and attract top talent. Having this information upfront allows you to understand better what is negotiable and at what level.
When discussing compensation with candidates, strive to have an open and transparent conversation. Seek to understand their salary expectations and provide guidance based on the organization’s salary range and market conditions. If necessary, consider negotiating other aspects of the compensation package, such as benefits or a sign-on bonus.
The Art Behind Extending an Offer
From sourcing candidates to conducting interviews, many steps are involved in finding the right fit for an organization. One of the key steps in the process is the offer call. This call is a critical component of the recruitment process, and it can make or break a candidate’s decision to accept the job.
So, what makes a successful offer call? Here are some tactics that recruiters should keep in mind:
Schedule the offer call:
When it comes to recruitment, communication is vital. Make sure you are connecting with your candidates in a way that allows them to feel comfortable and confident during the hiring process. One strategy is to schedule an offer call versus calling them out of the blue. This tactic provides a more formal setting for the conversation and allows the candidate time to prepare, speak freely, and ask their most pertinent questions.
Set the Tone:
This call should be a positive experience for the candidate. It’s vital to convey excitement and enthusiasm about the candidate potentially joining the organization. Be conversational and ask them how they’re feeling during the process.
Be Clear and Concise:
The candidate should fully understand the offer terms, including salary, benefits, start date, and the timeline of when to respond to the offer. In addition, if there are any contingencies or conditions, such as a background check or drug test, those should be clearly communicated at this time as well.
With these tools in hand, you can approach the recruiting process with confidence and be one step closer to achieving the results you’re looking for.
Are you interested in gaining more tips for hiring the right candidate? Check out the rest of our blog, catch a Mulberry Conversation replay, or reach out to us!