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When To Rethink Your Hiring Criteria

If your open positions seem to be gathering dust rather than attracting strong applicants, you’re definitely not alone. Many businesses wrestle with finding qualified candidates, and it’s easy to assume the talent pool has simply dried up. But often, there are some common roadblocks you may be putting in front of top talent without realizing it. Check out the following pitfalls to see if you’re inadvertently pushing good candidates away—and learn what you can do about it.

Outline

Build a Magnetic Employer Brand

Stop Writing Job Descriptions That Sound Like IKEA Manuals

Streamline Your Hiring Process Before Candidates Die of Old Age

Offer Compensation Packages That Make People Forget About Your Competitors

Foster a Culture People Want to Brag About

Vague Job Descriptions

One of the top reasons businesses fail to find the right candidates is that they’re not communicating the job opportunity effectively. You might have a laundry list of characteristics in mind, but if you don’t express them clearly in the job description, qualified people may swipe right past your listing.

What to do: Consider focusing on the top must-haves with clear explanations of day-to-day responsibilities. Show potential hires exactly what they’d be doing and learning on the job. If they can’t figure out whether they’re truly qualified, they’ll either pass or bombard you with questions—neither scenario helps you hire quickly.

Overly Complex Application Processes

Have you ever clicked on a job posting, started applying, and then realized it would take well over an hour to input the same information found on your résumé? If so, you know how discouraging that can be. Top talent—people who already have busy schedules—may bounce from your application process partway through if it’s too convoluted.

What to do: Streamline, simplify, and possibly optimize for mobile. Yes, you need some screening parameters, but fewer hurdles often mean more high-quality candidates actually completing the process. Also, consider what’s essential for a first round. You can always gather more details as candidates move through later stages.

Poor Recruiting Outreach

It’s tempting to just post on a job board and hope the right person shows up. But in a tight job market, relying on a “post and pray” strategy isn’t the best plan. Realistically, qualified candidates might be perfectly happy where they are and not even be browsing job boards.

What to do: Push beyond basic postings. Leverage social media, particularly LinkedIn, to reach out directly to passive candidates. Work with staffing agencies or recruiting professionals who can tap enhanced talent databases. If you’re consistently pitching your brand and opportunities in the right places, you have a better chance of wooing those star performers who are quietly curious about what’s out there.

Misaligned Employer Branding

Ever think about how job seekers perceive your company? If you rarely update your website or social media, or if you don’t showcase a positive culture, candidates might assume the worst. Qualified people care about work environments, opportunities for growth, and shared values.

What to do: Keep your online presence vibrant and authentic. If Monday morning meetings are a highlight or your employees love volunteering in the community, highlight these aspects visually and narratively. Google reviews, social media posts, and employee testimonials can all help paint an accurate picture of what it’s like to work with you.

Skipping the Candidate Experience

Finding the best person for the job isn’t just about the candidate checking off your boxes; it’s also about how you make them feel during the hiring process. Slow responses, disorganized interviews, or unclear next steps can frustrate even the most enthusiastic applicants.

What to do: Communicate at every stage. Even if it’s a polite note that says, “We’re still reviewing applications,” it shows you value the candidate’s interest. Respect their time by offering flexible interview scheduling and providing prompt feedback. You’d be surprised how many high-caliber applicants will drop out if they feel left in the dark.

Underestimating the Power of Referrals

Your own employees can be a goldmine for finding the right candidates. But if you don’t encourage referrals, you might be missing out on some stellar prospects.

What to do: Offer incentives or recognition to team members who suggest good candidates. Setting up an easy referral process—be it a quick online form or a simple email to HR—can turn your entire staff into part-time recruiters. People tend to refer individuals they trust and know well, which can help vet candidates before the first interview.

Final Thoughts

In a competitive labor market, you can’t afford to make avoidable mistakes when hunting for talent. The key is to figure out what’s standing between you and that perfect candidate—and make some thoughtful, targeted changes. Refine your job descriptions, streamline your applications, and treat your candidates like valued contributors from the get-go. With a proactive approach and a little extra attention to the details, your next star hire could be right around the corner.

Picture of Ryan Nead

Ryan Nead

Ryan has served in the Staffing and Recruiting industry for over 10 years. As an independent recruiter and business owner Ryan partners with decision-makers to attract, hire, and attain top-tier professionals to succeed and grow their companies. Ryan consistently implements new tools to help the needs of both clients and candidates until they are satisfied. With years of direct experience and knowledge from scaling and disrupting other major global industries. If you don't see Ryan with his family he is hard at work finding the right fit for your organization's open roles.

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