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Talent Acquisition

7 Must-know Recruitment Best Practices for Hiring Internal Talent

Looking to fill an important vacancy but don’t have the time or resources to go through a lengthy recruitment process? Hiring an internal talent could be the perfect solution for you since it offers businesses of all sizes multiple competitive advantages. However, it is not that simple to conduct internal recruitment successfully. Therefore, this article will outline seven best practices for hiring internal talent efficiently. 

What Is Internal Recruitment? 

Internal recruitment is the process of hiring employees from within a company. This can be done by assessing the skills and talents of current employees and matching them to open positions within the company. Internal recruitment is an optimal recruiting method to hire employees due to several benefits it offers. 

How Can You Distinguish Between ‘Internal Recruitment’ and ‘Internal Mobility’? 

These two terms are sometimes mixed up with each other, but they have different meanings. Internal recruitment is when you find employees from within your company to fill a vacancy. Internal mobility, on the other hand, is about moving employees from one part of the company to another. Often, internal mobility is used to refer to promotions, but it can also include lateral moves or transfers. 

Main Reasons Why Businesses Should Hire Internally? 

As businesses strive to remain competitive, they often look to external sources for new talent. However, hiring internal talent can be just as beneficial for businesses. Here are some of the main reasons why businesses should prioritize hiring internal talent: 

  • Cost-efficiency: When businesses hire internal talent, it is more cost-effective. Recruiting and training external hires can be expensive, whereas hiring internal talent is cheaper as there is less or no need for training since the individual is already familiar with the company’s culture and systems.  
  • Reduced Turnover Rates: Hiring internal talent can help to reduce turnover rates. Employees are more likely to stay with the company if they are given an opportunity to go further on their career path right within the organization. 
  • Talent Retention: Internal hires are more likely to be retained by the company as they are already familiar with the organization’s culture and systems and have a vested interest in the company’s success.  
  • Improved Employee Morale: When employees feel that they have a chance to grow and develop their skills within the company, it can improve their morale and make them more productive.  
  • Easier to Assess Talent: It is easier to assess the talent of internal hires as you can see how they perform in their current role. This makes it easier to identify potential high-performers and promote them within the company. 
  • Increased Loyalty: Internal hires are more likely to be loyal to the company as they have been given an opportunity to grow and develop their skills within the organization.   
  • Nurture Future Leaders: In-house recruitment can help to develop future leaders within the company as employees who are successful in their current roles are more likely to get promoted.    
  • Increased Job Satisfaction: When employees feel that they are able to grow and develop their skills within the organization, it can lead to better job satisfaction.  
  • Better Succession Planning: Hiring internal talent can help to improve succession planning as in-house employees who are successful in their current roles are more likely to be promoted to higher-level roles within the company. 

As long as you understand the advantages of hiring internally, we can move to the useful best practices of hiring internal talent efficiently.  

Top 7 Internal Hiring Best Practices for Success 

Internal hiring can be a great way to find top talent, but it can also be tricky. If you would like to make the most of your internal hiring process, follow these best practices for hiring internally: 

Draw Clear Portraits of Your Ideal Candidates, Their Roles & Responsibilities 

Before you start the internal recruitment process, take some time to define the roles and responsibilities of the position first so that you can decide further to hire external talent or someone within the company. Afterward, recruiters should work on a clear picture of the ideal candidates in terms of skills, experience, and personality. Doing this will help you focus your recruitment efforts and make sure that the best candidates are considered for the role. Based on the requirements and expectations, you can create a solid and well-defined job description and start to attract potential candidates within your organization. 

Set Up a Recruitment Process That Is Transparent & Equitable 

When recruiting internally, make sure that the process is transparent and equitable for all candidates. This means that the process will be fair and unbiased and that all candidates will be given an opportunity to interview and be assessed against the same criteria. You can also use a scoring system to compare candidates and make the best decision for the company. Remember to keep the selection process confidential to avoid any potential conflicts. The better your internal recruiting process is, the more likely you are to find the best talent within your organization. 

Make Use of Existing Networks 

The next step to attract internal talent is to inform all the employees in the company about the job opening and stimulate them to apply. One way to do this is by making use of your company’s networks. Talk to managers, colleagues, and other employees to see if they recommend anyone who may be a good fit for the role. At the same time, you should encourage employees to spread the word about the job opening and promote the opportunity to their contacts. You can also post the jobs on the company website or internal social media channels specifically for the recruitment drive. This will help you reach more potential candidates quickly and easily. 

Use Assessment Tools to Evaluate Candidates 

Once you have a great pool of qualified candidates, it’s important to use the right assessment tools to evaluate them before moving forward to an interview. This will help you to compare them against each other and make the best decision for the company. So, test your candidates as much as necessary. There are many different types of assessment tools available, such as personality tests, skills assessments, or aptitude tests. Choose the ones that suit the role and use them to assess candidates’ abilities. 

Conduct Fair Interviews & Reference Checks 

After the candidates have been assessed, it’s time for the interviews. Make sure that the interviews are conducted fairly and that all the candidates are given a chance to answer the same questions. Don’t forget to enrich the interviewing queries with competency-based and problem-solving questions that will help you assess the candidates’ skills and experience thoroughly. Finally, reference checks are essential to verify the candidates’ qualifications and to get more insights into their past performance. 

Make a Decision & Communicate It Clearly 

After all the interviews and reference checks have been conducted, it’s time to make a decision. Evaluate all the information collected and choose the best candidate for the role. This may take some time, but it’s important to make a well-informed decision that will benefit the company in the long run. Once the decision is made, ensure to communicate it clearly to all the candidates. Thank them for their time and let them know that they were selected for the role or not. 

Build & Maintain a Strong Talent Pipeline 

A strong talent pipeline is a key component to success for any organization. By building a talent pipeline, you are ensuring that you have a pool of qualified candidates ready to fill future roles within the company. This will be beneficial for the internal recruitment process in the long run as you will have a pre-screened pool of candidates at your finger to choose from anytime a role becomes available. One best way to build a talent pipeline is by identifying potential candidates early on and nurturing them through the recruitment process. You can also do this by promoting the company culture and values, offering development opportunities, and maintaining good communication with internal talent. 

The Benefits When Including bravoSUITE in Your Internal Recruitment Process 

BravoSUITE is an all-in-one platform that enables employers to optimize all HR processes to the fullest with useful features.  When it comes to internal recruitment, bravoSUITE can also offer several benefits, such as: 

  • Understand Your Employees Better: With bravoGROWTH – a personal reflection tool, employers are able to fully explore the true potential and motivation of their employees. This can provide you with all the useful insights for hiring internally or for promotion. 
  • Make Data-driven Decisions: bravoSURVEY enables you to build customized surveys easily to gather influential business data from your staff. This feature can help employers make informed decisions in the recruitment processes, including both internal and external.  Moreover, conducting surveys is also a useful method to boost employee engagement in your company. 
  • Identify and Retain Right Candidates with Ease: bravoTALENT buys employees all functions to profile and display their interests, skills, and values so that the recruiters can access, evaluate and approach for internal hiring.  

Conclusion 

While these seven best practices for hiring internal talent are a great starting point, remember that each company is unique and will require its own tailored approach when recruiting internal talent. By spending the time to understand your company’s specific needs and implementing the right recruitment strategies, you shall find the perfect fit for your next open position within your organization. 

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Talent Acquisition

What Is a Recruitment Management System?

As business owners, you know that finding the best employees is essential to your success. However, recruiting and managing new hires can be time-consuming and daunting. That’s where a recruitment management system comes in. This article will help you learn about what a recruitment management system is, how it works, and its benefits. 

A Brief Introduction to the Recruitment Management System 

A recruitment management system, or RMS, is a software application that aids organizations in the recruitment process. It stores all the data related to potential employees, such as their resumes and contact information, and makes it easily accessible to authorized users. Additionally, an RMS can automate many of the tasks associated with recruiting, such as sending out email notifications to candidates or tracking the status of job applications.  

The ultimate goal of a recruitment management system is to make the hiring process more efficient for employers, which can reduce costs and improve business productivity. 

How Does a Recruitment Management System Work? 

This software is typically divided into three modules:   

  • The first module allows users to manage resumes and the contact information of potential employees. It also includes an inbox where users can receive messages from job applicants, as well as a calendar that notifies users of all upcoming events.   
  • The second module contains a candidate relationship management system that allows users to manage their relationships with job applicants, which includes things like tracking the status of applications and sending out email notifications. Different companies organize candidate data in different ways depending on the specifics of their hiring process, but some common candidate record attributes include contact information, resume, application status, interview information, and salary requirements.   
  • The third module of an RMS often includes a feature called applicant tracking, which is a form of electronic recruiting technology that automatically tracks components of a job application. Such data can include the number of times an applicant has viewed a job advertisement or what time they submitted their application. Applicant tracking software may also include “auto-responder” notifications that automatically send out emails to applicants based on certain factors. For example, an auto-responder might inform applicants who haven’t yet viewed the job advertisement after a day or two that their application has been received.  

A recruitment management system is designed to increase efficiency by improving communication between managers and applicants, eliminating redundancies in the hiring process, speeding up the approval of new employees, and producing better reporting data. It also creates a centralized location that can easily be accessed from anywhere in the world using any internet-enabled device. 

Core Benefits of Recruitment Management Systems for Businesses 

Recruitment management systems offer organizations a number of benefits that can improve their recruiting process. Here are ten benefits of using an RMS:   

Easy Accessibility 

An ideal system should be easy and accessible at the same time. It should give access to all employees and bosses who might need it to perform their daily tasks and effectively monitor the progress of different candidates. Besides, a good platform should also allow you to manage your data from many devices such as smartphones, tablets, or personal computers. 

Reduction of Time 

Time is precious, and we all need to work smartly in order to perform well and deliver our best. A recruitment management system will save you a lot of time by automating many different tasks such as candidate search, data entry, or background checks. You can also schedule interviews with potential hires without any PCs. It’s a flexible system that can be customized to suit your requirements and preferences. 

Easy to Use  

A recruitment management system should also be easy-to-use, so it becomes much easier for the users to handle various tasks related to hiring employees. For instance, an ideal tool often includes an intuitive interface with self-descriptive buttons and easy-to-understand instructions. 

Better Employee Management 

When you use a recruitment management system, you can easily manage your employees’ productivity and performance. You can also monitor the attendance of each member on a daily basis and access reports that provide valuable information about their time spent in the office or offsite. 

Store Documents with Ease 

Any good platform should allow you to attach documents, resumes, or notes to your candidates. When you have a recruitment management system in place, you can easily keep track of all the documents related to hiring employees in one place so you can easily access their data whenever you need it. It is much easier for you to manage your task with better organization and faster data retrieval. 

Process Facilitation 

Finding the right person for a job or the whole hiring process can be complicated sometimes. There are many stages before hiring someone, and they all should be managed in a proper way to bring in better talent and improve your team’s productivity. Therefore, recruitment management systems are designed to facilitate the recruiting processes. An ideal one will simplify and automate different tasks connected with recruiting. 

Better Candidates Tracking 

A recruitment management system should also allow you to track the progress of different candidates better. You can see all the data related to your candidates in one place. It is not limited to their resumes only, but you can also track other things like test scores, application history, education details, etc. For instance, you can easily access their background check results or even see if they are interested in the position. When you use a system for hiring employees, you will be able to save plenty of time and improve your candidate tracking, which will result in better hiring decisions. 

Save on Costs 

An ideal recruitment management system will save you a lot of money by consolidating many different tasks. You will be able to save time on repetitive tasks, reduce the need for hiring extra employees or outsourcing tasks, and significantly lower your HR expenditures. 

Improved Workflow 

A good RMS helps you to improve your workflow and bring in more productivity. You can analyze the different tasks that you do on a regular basis and automate them with the software you use for hiring employees. It will make everything easier for everyone, especially if they are doing repetitive tasks such as updating spreadsheets or creating resumes. 

Organizational Effectiveness 

Another benefit when you get a good RMS is that you can make sure that your team is organized and efficient. You can also monitor their performance and activities connected with recruiting new hires on a real-time basis, allowing you to make the necessary improvements in the organization’s hiring process. 

Due to all these benefits, it is easy to understand why companies continue to invest in recruitment management systems with all these benefits in mind. 

Conclusion 

A recruitment management system, or RMS, is a software application that helps organizations manage the recruitment process. It can automate tasks such as applicant tracking, job postings, and email communications. An RMS can also help organizations track their hiring goals and performance. Many RMS applications are cloud-based, which means they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Overall, recruitment management systems can help your organization run smoother. Of course, it’s necessary to find the right one that meets your needs and offers all the features you need.  

Speaking of the right recruitment management system, you should be considering bravoSUITE. For your information, bravoSUITE is a comprehensive platform that monitors and optimizes all human resources processes. From recruiting new talent to facilitating team training, this tool enables businesses to manage their personnel more efficiently and effectively than ever before. BravoSUITE has four core functions to support your recruitment processes: bravoGrowth, bravoTALENT, bravoSURVEY and bravoINSIGHTS. Moreover, bravoSUITE offers a library full of useful blogs for both employers and employees. 

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Talent Acquisition

A Guide to Conduct Performance-Based Interviewing

Performance-based interviewing – All you need to know 

With the competitive job market that has followed a difficult economy, hiring managers are looking for unique ways to recruit and hire the best talent. Performance-based interviewing is gaining popularity to select candidates that will benefit businesses long term.   

Performance assessments give employers the ability to use evidence-based decision-making in their recruitment process, resulting in a reduction of unconscious bias and providing an effective way of measuring potential.  

What is performance-based interviewing?   

Performance-based interviewing is an interview process that evaluates job candidates based on their experience performing critical tasks required for success in each role.  

In this type of interview, the employer will ask performance-based interview questions that measure a candidate’s skills and abilities beyond the traditional “what are your strengths” or “where do you see yourself in 5 years” kind of interview questions.  

This interviewing process allows employers to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for success on the job. It also provides them with an opportunity to observe how well candidates communicate under pressure as well as their problem-solving skills and personality traits.  

How the interviewing process works 

As for how this interviewing method works, it measures candidates on three principles: Context (their past experiences, how they performed, and what challenges they faced), Credibility (how believable they are), and Competency (their ability to carry out specific tasks).  

Employers look for candidates that are able to provide certain examples of when they faced challenges and how they overcame them. The employer is looking for evidence that the candidate has the necessary skills, knowledge, and past experiences to do well at their job. 

The role of performance-based questions 

The performance-based interview requires candidates to draw on personal experience in an organized way. By asking situational questions, the employer is able to assess how well they do under pressure. An important part of this process is ensuring that candidates are comfortable with the type of performance-based questions being asked.  

For instance, some people may be uncomfortable discussing past jobs or describing their worst quality. If a candidate feels tense or nervous about answering specific questions, it becomes more difficult to judge their actual level of performance. 

If candidates are not able to answer specific questions, they may receive lower scores for Competency or Credibility. The candidate will then be considered less experienced or less credible than candidates that can provide evidence of their abilities and past experiences. 

The benefits of performance-based interviews  

Reliable interview technique 

Performance-based interviews are highly effective in assessing the suitability of job applicants. The ‘hire or not to hire’ decision is ultimately up to the interviewer, but research has shown that performance-based job interviews are more reliable than traditional ones.   

When employers use a performance-based interview, they can select candidates that have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in a given role. It is also an effective way of reducing unconscious bias because it evaluates each candidate on similar criteria. This means that the interview process tends to be more objective and consistent. 

Efficient method 

Unlike traditional interviewing methods, which include only structured questions and offer few opportunities to present additional information or background about an applicant’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, performance-based techniques incorporate job-related tasks.   

Rather than merely answering interviewers’ questions to convey information about themselves, candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential by providing detailed examples of how they would solve problems, work on a team and operate in diverse workplace situations.  

Look out for problem-solving skills   

By asking candidates to give specific examples of how they have handled situations in the past, employers can determine if these individuals will be a good fit for their company. The best candidates will use this opportunity to frame their experiences in a way that highlights the skills, abilities, and knowledge they possess. 

Since these questions can be tailored to fit specific job functions, candidates need to provide thoughtful and detailed responses during the interview. This component of performance-based interview tests problem solving and critical thinking while giving employers insight into each candidate. 

Follow-up questions 

Employers can also pick up any red flags that would provide insight into a candidate’s work ethic or ability to cope with stress. Interviewers can then ask follow-up questions based on their observations.  

The interviewer can clarify aspects of the performance-based question that was not answered thoroughly in order to verify candidates’ skills and past experiences. For example, if a response indicated trouble with project management, the interviewer may ask them to go into further detail about how they keep track of their projects. 

It also allows the interviewer to determine if candidates are able to shift between different modes of thought, such as being able to shift from a team environment to an individual one. The interviewer will also be able to assess how well candidates work under pressure; these skills are necessary in virtually every industry and sector.  

Increase competitive advantage  

Performance-based interview questions for entry-level positions might ask candidates to describe their experience working in a team, how they handled deadlines, or the extent of their communication skills.    

Performance-based questions for supervisors and managers play a crucial part in sustaining employers’ competitive advantage over other employers in the same industry. This is because this kind of interview question, if properly implemented and administered by the employer, can provide a reliable screen against ineffective performers.  

Examples of performance-based interview questions  

Performance-based interviews give employers better insight into a potential hire’s abilities and skills. The candidate will be able to sell their skills and experience in a more natural way, while the employer’s assessment will rely on facts rather than assumptions.  

Examples of performance-based questions include:  

  • “Give me an example of a time when you successfully resolved a conflict with another person.”  
  • “Give me an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.”  
  • “Tell me about a time when you had too many tasks to complete, and you needed to prioritize.”  
  • “Tell me about a time when you faced a stressful specific situation and how you handled it.”  
  • “Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was uncooperative and difficult.”  
  • “Give me an example of a time where you failed at a task and tell me what you learned from it.”      
  • “Give an example of a place where you have used communication skills successfully.”  

The answers should be clear and concise, using the STAR method of response: 

  • Situation – what was happening?  
  • Task – what was needed to happen?  
  • Action – what did they do?  
  • Results – results that occurred as a result of their actions.    

While it is possible to memorize sample answers for these types of questions, it is also important to be able to demonstrate the ability to think on the spot and provide real-life examples that showcase your skills and abilities.  

Tips for successfully conducting a performance-based interview  

Plan the interview ahead   

Preparation is key to successfully managing a performance-based interview process. A thorough recruitment brief that details the required roles, skills, and attributes for a position must be created. This brief can then be used as a guide during the development of specific performance-based interview questions for each candidate.   

It’s best to decide on what you want before speaking with candidates (i.e., prioritizing needs). A helpful tip is to ask various questions, including behavioral and situational examples. Asking candidates to provide examples of their failures may allow you to test their thought processes and how they might react in a difficult situation.  

Standardized performance-based interview questions  

However natural it may be, bias hinders the effectiveness of the interview process and in turn, decreases the quality of the hire. How do you keep bias out?   

Standardized performance-based interview questions are the answer. With this approach, each candidate will be asked the same question in an identical manner. This allows you to compare candidates accurately without any bias or subjectivity involved, as well as evaluate applicants fairly. 

Keep an objective view of candidates 

Ensure that you ask all applicants the same performance-based interview questions to evaluate applicants fairly and avoid any bias in responses. This approach provides consistency in the interview process and ensures that each candidate is interviewed for the same skills, making it possible to compare candidates against one another.    

Ensure the scope of questions is appropriate for each level  

Questions should be job-related and relevant to the role. Don’t ask about skills that are not required in the role, or about goals you don’t want to be addressed in the interview. Ensure that junior staff members are not asked difficult professional questions before they have developed their problem-solving skills.    

On the other hand, a question asking a candidate to demonstrate their leadership skills for a managerial position is appropriate and relevant if they are applying for a supervisor role. 

Match candidate responses to organization values 

Each organization has its own set of core company principles that drive decision-making and behavior during working hours. Maintaining standards regarding attitude, communication skills, work ethic, problem-solving strategies, and other relevant factors are important to the organization’s success. Candidates who have strong responses to questions that represent their values are more likely to be a fit for your organization.   

Candidates’ answers should align with the organizational values that are most important for this particular role. Offering an example of when they successfully used one of the company’s core values in a professional setting is a good way to match candidate responses to organizational values. 

Avoid hypothetical or misleading statements   

Keep your interview questions specific and open-ended that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer. It’s important to give candidates enough information about the situation so they can provide detailed responses. However, you also need to make sure the situation is realistic and will offer insight into how the candidate would handle the situation in real life.  

Be prepared with follow-up questions based on each answer that candidates give. This way, if they don’t provide enough information about their specific action or responsibilities, you can ask for more details or clarification.  

Limit interruptions   

During a performance-based interview, do not respond to a candidate’s answer until they finish speaking. Provide feedback only when the candidate has completed their response. However, if the candidate stops speaking, take this as your cue to provide feedback.  

Remember that you are assessing candidates for their ability to do the job, not just for how they’ve done the job in the past. Interviewers can probe for more information if the candidate has no previous experience or gives an example not relevant to the job.   

Conclusion  

Performance-based interviewing is a growing trend in the employment sector. Asking candidates to provide examples of real-life workplace situations allows employers to see how they would handle specific issues in the future.   

This type of interview helps reduce subjective bias, increase objectivity, and help ensure that new hires fit nicely within a company’s culture and industry. By implementing this technique, companies can hire top-performing employees and thus increase their competitive advantage over other organizations. 

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Talent Acquisition

Top HR Challenges That Small-to-Medium Sized Businesses Are Facing Today

Managing people in the workplace is not easy. That’s why HR professionals have such an important role in the workplace. They participate in planning and executing strategies, finding and recruiting new talent, offering career assistance to current employees, advocate for employees, and enforcing workplace policies and procedures.

For this reason, most companies have at least one HR manager to oversee these tasks. When it comes to small businesses, though, managing people is often left to just one HR person or, even worse, the employers themselves.

This is a problem for many reasons. Lack of HR support can lead to a number of performance-based issues. These include loss of productivity and efficiency, reduced staff morale, and higher turnover rate. Plus, if a business only has one HR person, it might be overwhelming for the staff which leads to the downfall of the company.

That’s why, it’s important that business owners are aware of the HR challenges that could be holding them back. It can also help businesses take the necessary steps to avoid these problems. Here are some of the most prominent HR challenges to watch out for.

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

Every business wants to secure the best talent and keep them for as long as possible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen. Employees find better opportunities, they get frustrated by a lack of training and development, they don’t get along with their colleagues, or they feel that the position doesn’t match their skills. Whatever the reason, it’s important to find out what the causes are, and then take the right steps to create a better working environment.

Ongoing training and support are a great way to keep employees motivated. The best thing is most employees want to learn new skills to expand their knowledge. As long as the training is relevant to their current position and skills, and it gives them the opportunity to grow in the future, they will likely be receptive towards the idea.

Another way to retain top talent is to conduct regular performance reviews. Create a system where employees get regular feedback – both the good and bad – so that they know their strengths, weaknesses, and ways to improve. You’ll need to tailor each development program to the needs of the employees in order to get the best outcome as well.

Producing More Effective Leaders

Employees aren’t the only people who need ongoing training. Employers should focus on improving themselves, their management team, their leadership style, their communication skills, and their relationship-building skills. By doing so, they can be more well-respected in the workplace, and create a positive working environment.

Of course, to achieve this, employers must want to improve in the first place. They need HR professionals who’re willing to give constructive feedback and practical solutions. Naturally, this means, the employer must be comfortable with the harsh truth, even if they may not want to hear it.

Reducing Bias and Prejudice in the Hiring Process

Numerous studies show that promoting diversity in the workplace can boost employee engagement and even increase sales revenue.

However, some companies struggle with the concept of diversity. They feel that diversity is forced upon them. They aren’t sure what demographics they need to diversify in (i.e. age, gender) and why it matters. Or, they believe that, by implementing a diversity quota into their hiring process, they may hire people who are not the best fit for the role.

One way to overcome these obstacles is to shift the focus away from diversity and instead focus on reducing bias in your hiring process.

What exactly is hiring bias? It occurs when there is an unconscious bias that affects the hiring process. This unintentional bias can affect the hiring person’s judgement of a candidate, causing them to make an irrational decision.

One example is similarity bias, when you want to hire someone who is most like you. For example, if an employer is a sports fan, and they interview a candidate who also enjoys sport, the employer may (unintentionally) grow to like that candidate more than others – to the point where they want to hire them.

Unfortunately, this kind of misjudgment can cause an employer to hire someone based on their hobbies and personality, even if that person is not the best possible candidate for the role.

Other types of hiring bias to watch out for include:

  • Confirmation bias – When you only take in information that confirms your beliefs and ignore everything else. For example, you may see a well-dressed candidate or resume, and assume that candidate is qualified for the role.
  • Affinity bias – You act warmer or more receptive to a candidate based on similar or likeable traits, which are purely subjective and have no real basis – they are just a ‘feeling.’
  • Halo effect – You assume that just because a candidate is good at Task A, then they must also be good at Task B, Task C, and so forth. In essence, you judge the candidate based on just one trait.

By hiring a HR specialist, they can help you identify the potential hiring biases and prejudices in your hiring process, and then take the right steps to correct them with proper training and support.

Improving Workplace Health and Safety

Creating a safe work environment is more than just removing physical and environmental hazards. Staying on top of mental health is also important, as it helps reduce the risk of stress, fatigue, burnout, and anxiety. For example, frequent absenteeism is often a sign of low job satisfaction, often linked to concerns for one’s safety.

True, HR professionals are not the only ones responsible for promoting workplace health and safety. But they do play a key role. It is their duty to understand the unique health and safety risks of the business, come up with policies and procedures designed to reduce the level of risk, and communicate the contents of those policies to all team members; so that everyone is fully aware of their health and safety obligations.

Generally speaking, HR should carry out these tasks with help from employers, management and staff. By consulting everyone in the company, the business is more likely to embrace the health and safety policies with open arms. Plus, new recruits will have an easier time understanding their health and safety obligations too.

The Importance of Effective HR Management

People are a company’s best asset. Companies that invest in their team are far more likely to succeed than the ones that don’t. They have a greater chance of standing out from the competition, and retaining that leading edge for the long-term.

Most important of all, their employees are more happy, productive and efficient, which means reduced staff turnover and recruiting costs.

Categories
Talent Acquisition

How to Ace Your Phone Job Interview

Many employers and recruiters conduct phone interviews to quickly decide who moves on to the next recruitment phase – typically an onsite interview. For remote candidates, a phone interview may be the only option. Phone interviews are also ideal for candidates who cannot do video interviews due to limited or no internet access.

Depends on the hiring company, you may have time to prepare for the phone interview in advance. Or you may get a call out of the blue from an employer or recruiter who wants to chat. To increase the odds of leaving a great first impression and moving to the next round, always be ready for the unexpected. Here’s how to do it.

How to prepare for a phone interview

1. Get all the details ready

To prepare for a phone interview in advance, make sure you have the following details:

  • Day and time of the interview
  • Name and title of the person you are speaking to
  • The number they will call you from
  • Any other relevant contact information (i.e. email) if the call drops out

Be sure to clarify these details if you don’t have them already. You’ll be saving both yourself and the interviewer a lot of time and hassle.

2. Research the company and job description

Gather as much information as you can about the hiring company or organization. Visit their official website. Learn about their history, products and services, values and mission statement, success stories, and testimonials. You can also get an idea of their ‘personality’ by checking out their social media pages.

Ask your close family and friends if they have worked for the company before. You may receive honest and upfront insight not found online.

Re-read the original job posting you applied for too. Get up to speed with the tasks, duties, and expectations of the role. Do your skills and qualifications match what the company is after? Does the job posting offer a fixed salary, or is it negotiable? If negotiable, you may need to research the job position to see what the average salary is, and then use that number as a base to work it off.

3. Prepare for commonly asked questions

Every company and position is unique. But there are certain traits and qualities that virtually all employers and recruiters want in a candidate. For this reason, you will likely be asked very similar questions from multiple employers. This is good news, as it means you can prepare for these questions in advance. Of course, you’ll need to slightly tweak each answer to fit the employer’s requirements.

Here are some of the most common interview questions:

  • Tell me a bit about yourself: A common opener. Provide a basic summary of your professional skills, experience, and achievements. Feel free to touch on your personality as well. But keep the focus on explaining why you are the right person for the job.
  • What made you want to apply for this job? Explain your motivation for applying for the job. Go into details about what excites you about the company, the position, and the company vision itself. If relevant, you can touch on how the company values and morals align with your own.
  • Where do you see yourself in five years? Think about where you want to be in five years’ time. Talk about how the position in question will help you learn new skills, improve upon your existing skills, and open up new career opportunities in the future. However, avoid talking about the company as a ‘stepping stone to better things.’ The interviewer may see you as someone who’ll jump ship the moment a better opportunity turns up.

Other common interview questions include:

  • Why did you leave your previous role?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • How much would you like to be paid for this position?
  • What can you bring to this role?
  • What do you consider to be one of your biggest accomplishments?

4. Practice reciting the answers in front of a mirror

Not everyone has strong phone communication skills. Without seeing someone’s face, you have to rely solely on your voice to express yourself. But how do you project your voice in a clear, enthusiastic, and natural way?

One way is to practice reciting your answers to common questions in front of a mirror. Take slow, deep breaths, and speak in a calm yet persuasive manner. You may need a few practice takes to get it right. Over time, though, your delivery will improve, and you’ll be able to maintain your composure during the real interview.

5. Gather your equipment

Be sure to have the following items in hand:

  • Phone charger
  • Notepad and pen
  • Headphones (wearing headphones will help you block out any potential noise around you)
  • Cheat sheets (answers to interview questions, information about the company, and the job description)

6. Pick a nice quiet place

For phone interviews at home, try to have the conversation away from family, housemates, and pets. Maybe try your bedroom or an unoccupied living space (as long as you know the space will be unoccupied for a while).

If you’re at work, book a quiet conference room in advance. Or head down to a quiet café during your lunch break.

During the phone interview

7. Introduce yourself

When you answer the phone, clearly state who you are. For example, you could say, “Hello, this is (insert name). Thank you for calling, it’s great to finally talk to you.” This way, the interviewer will know for certain they have the right person, and they can proceed with the interview.

8. Speak in a clear and calm manner

Remember to maintain the same slow, calm, and persuasive manner you practiced earlier. And always wait for the interviewer to finish talking before you do.

If necessary, take a deep breath before you answer each question. Even if it means a slight pause of 1 to 2 seconds. You want to give your answers in a way that the interview can understand easily. If the interviewer has to ask you to repeat yourself, you’re costing them time and patience.

9. Smile

Smiling is an effective way to add warmth, friendliness, and enthusiasm to the tone of your voice. How? When you smile, it raises the soft palate at the back of your mouth, causing the soundwaves to move more fluidly. As a result, your voice will sound more expressive and friendly as opposed to not smiling, making you come across as more approachable over the phone.

10. Refer to your notes when answering questions

Make sure you have cheat sheets by your side and the notes are easy to read. Use them as a reference when you answer questions that you have prepared for. If the interviewer gives you any information that you don’t already have, jot it down with a pen.

After the interview

11. Send a thank you follow-up message

After the call, send the interviewer a quick thank you note. Thank them for taking the time to talk to you, cover some of the basic talking points you touched upon, and reiterate how excited you are for the position. Keep it short and sweet too.

Why should you do this? Firstly, it’s estimated that only 1 in 20 candidates send a follow-up message. Considering that employers and recruiters often interview tens if not hundreds of people, doing this will help you stand out. Secondly, you have a better chance of staying “top of mind” in the interviewer’s head. And finally, it’s just a plain kind and generous gesture to do.

Master these phone interview skills, and you’re bound to increase the odds of securing your dream job!

Alternatively, if you’re looking to recruit highly skilled and qualified candidates, visit the bravoTALENT Recruiter section today.

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Talent Acquisition

How to follow up on your job applications

Following up on your job applications might be the most exciting and stressful process, where you patiently wait for recruiters’ feedbacks.

Worry not, we have all been there.

But what if you haven’t heard back from them for weeks? When is the time to move on? Here are a few tips on how to follow up on your job applications and when do you know it’s time to look for another stop.

1. It takes a while for recruiters to go through all the applications

No harsh feelings. Recruiters always want the best fit for the position, and that means, they want to go through all the possible applicants and pick the best seeds.

If it is a popular position, maybe they are still going through all the profiles and CV’s. Give them time, typically at least a week or two before considering for the next step.

2. Reach out to the recruiter

You don’t exactly have to wait to reach out to your future employer.

Enthusiasm lands the job – but be careful, because enthusiasm and desperation are separated by a very thin line. Show your eager, but don’t be pushy.

Emails are usually preferred, but phone calls are fine, just keep them short and informative.

Do not spam their inbox if you do not get a reply, and stick to only 1-3 emails before they reach out to you instead.

3. Call them

This is when you haven’t heard back for weeks. Did they miss my application?

Call your hiring manager and figure out what is wrong. Show them that you care about the position and would be very excited to get the job.

This way, you know what’s going on – whether they are still profiling out their candidates, or the position is already filled.

4. Don’t put all your eggs in the same basket

Keep applying. Yes, you may have found the job of your dream, but you shouldn’t stop there.

You are in for many surprises. Having a few more offers also help securing your dream position as well, because it shows that you are in demand, and you will be a good fit for the job.

Also, it is easier to move on when something goes wrong.

5. Don’t accept an offer if you are waiting for another

Do you enjoy being offered a position, then getting an email the next day saying, “Sorry we have found a better fit for the job”? None does.

Your reputation affects your career so only go with your final decision. Every company can be a perfect home for you if you are willing to make it work.

Ready to apply for your next job?

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Talent Acquisition

Ace your interview with these simple tips!

Interviews can be any jobseeker’s nightmare. If I earn a dollar for every time someone tells me “I’m going to ace that interview tomorrow, no sweat”, I would be broke.

Yet, a lot of people fail to understand that an interview is not a test, and it is not one-sided either.

An interview is a bridge between the employer (or at least the representative) and the employee, where not only the employer is learning about the employee, but vice versa as well.

Yes, interviews might be about selling yourself and your skills, and getting all your doubts cleared. It is also your chance to learn more about yourself (surprisingly) and see a future with the company you are having an interview for. The best way to express yourself fully is to be relaxed.

Here are a few tips from us to make sure that all your interviews go smoothly.

1. Be confident

You must have heard this for thousands of times now, but it still is the golden rule of interviews.

To show them what you are capable of, you need a clear mind, accurate, on point communication, and of course, a solid presentation of yourself.

This can only be achieved if you are confident. If you believe that you deserve the position, show it, don’t second guess yourself.

2. Do your research

Show them that this is the company of your choice, not because you are simply looking for a job.

Find something you love about the company and how it would affect you and your career. Build a connection with your interviewer and the company itself.

If the interviewer doesn’t think you are interested in the job, chances are, they won’t offer you the spot.

3. Prepare for the questions

What are your strengths and weaknesses? What is your greatest accomplishment? How do you see yourself 5 years in the future?

These questions come up a lot and you should be prepared for them.

Also, don’t simply stop after listing out your weaknesses, show them how you overcame your weaknesses or how you are trying to improve them. Remember to always end your answers on a positive note.

In addition, be prepared for situation or scenario questions.

4. Watch your body language

This includes dressing properly for your interview, giving a firm handshake or a clear hello, sitting straight, speaking clearly, and especially, smiling at the right time.

Do not play around with your hair or tapping the table with your fingers. Make eye contact, and tone your language depends on the interviewer, or the position you are applying to.

5. Tell them about yourself

Use this opportunity wisely, by pinpointing not only your strengths, but also how they can complement the company, or the company’s culture. Yes, it would be fun to talk about your favorite pet, but it is not memorable.

Think of this question as: why should we hire you and not anyone else with the same skillset.

Be ready to back up your points; don’t say you are a leader without anything to prove it. Make your points persuasive and avoid bluffing. Watch your interviewer’s expression – if they think you are over selling, they will show it.

6. Show interest after the interview

Send the interviewer a thank you note, follow up through emails, make sure that they know you are very interested in getting the job. Don’t be clingy – stick to 2 emails or under before you get the final answer.

Recall what happens during the interview and input that you appreciate, for example, “It was very nice of you to give me advice regarding my weakness”.

7. Every interview is a lesson

Simply put, don’t give up.

Maybe you did something wrong, maybe you didn’t, what happened cannot be changed. But it is better to learn from it.

If you really want the position, ask for a second chance. You might want to ask your interviewer what went wrong and how you could improve, but don’t be surprised if you do not get a reply.

Learn how to move on and let your experiences be your strength.

Stick to these tips and you are ready for your interview. It’s time to check out our JOB PAGE and start your new career today. We wish you the best of luck!

Categories
Talent Acquisition

HR Digital Transformation – a Make or Break for Businesses

10 years ago, the HR department – often referred to as “personnel” – was a department that keeps track of records and regulations, as well as compensations and benefits. That part has not changed much until now, but how they do it has been evolved tremendously.

Thanks to the emergence of advanced technologies and automation, especially the needs for globalization and constant, real-time communication, businesses now can enroll programs that automate payroll and streamline the onboarding process, while managing talent and determine training data effectively.

HR digital transformation has sped up the HR process at an amazing speed – instead of concentrating on administrative task, HR staff now can put all their energy in strengthening company culture and increasing employee engagement.

What is digital transformation?

Most of us have probably already heard this term at least once. But what exactly is digital transformation? The term pretty much explains itself: to transform something, digitally. And by something, I mean, your business. But why does your business need digital transformation?

Digital transformation, in short, is the integration of digital technology into a business, including both operation and customer service. It is undeniable that in this age of technology and knowing the competitiveness in the market, digital transformation is a choice of life or death for a business.

Digital transformation defines how a business uses technology, including people and processes to change business performance. This, overall, is to improve the customer experience, and make it easier for a business to run both internally and externally. The main benefits of digital transformation are: time-saving, efficiency, security, and transparency.

For example, remember when you have to sit and wait for weeks to claim your insurance? Thanks to mobile applications and upgraded algorithms, you can now claim your insurance within 1 to 2 days, or sometimes, in minutes. That is a fairly simple example of how digital transformation can change and efficiently improve customer and business processes.

When digital transformation is done right, it’s like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, but when done wrong, all you have is a really fast caterpillar.

– George Westerman
Principal Research Scientist with the MIT Sloan Initiative on the Digital Economy

Why should HR be the first department to be digitalized?

If we are talking about the core of a business, we cannot avoid talking about HR. Like every business man has said, human resources are one of the most important, if not most, assets a business can have. And when we mention human resources, we have to mention the HR department. This includes cloud-based HRIS, digital recruitment solutions, internal communication platforms, workforce engagement software, and much more.

Transformation is underpinned by a digital mindset that is a unique interplay of technology, people, and process, and technology can also be used to vastly improve HR processes for employees and managers, resulting in a snowball effect of positivity and paving the way for even greater digital transformation within a business.

– Ingrid Jenkins
HR Director at Microsoft Australia

HR digital transformation is not an option, it’s a need, a must, a demand. While integrating new digital technologies, however, HR professionals need to consider how new apps, tools, and programs will transform the workforce and how work is performed and completed. This is to make sure that the transformation is being carried out smoothly and does not affect the business performance.

A Digitalized Recruitment System

Twenty years ago, the résumé was a piece of paper. Now, it’s a collection of all [candidate] data that can be found online, like participation in online communities, conferences and meet-ups. Recruiters can assess whether a person will fit, and learn if he or she has the right skills for a job.

– Jon Bischke
CEO of Entelo

What makes a successful business? Nothing less than finding the right people. Even when technology is taking over, the human mind and what it can do is undoubtedly, what makes a business the winner of the race. And to make sure that businesses can reach the right talent, it is vital to:

  1. Expand your potential reach/talent pool
  2. Constant communication and clear benefits
  3. Transferring values

Businesses have to understand the simplest fact of recruitment: It goes both ways. Recruiters are always out and looking for new talent, just as how candidates are always up for the huge demand for jobs. To find the right people, it is important to show the right information, and at the right place.

Not only that the jobs are becoming more diverse, the demands as well. Businesses are looking for not only permanent employees, but also remote, part-time, or freelance workers as well. In addition to demands and needs, is the skills needed for each position. We can go on and on about how recruitment has changed throughout the last few years.

This means, businesses need the tools to maximize their reach as well as standing out to potential candidates. You are not only looking at resumes; you are looking at real people behind the computer screens. You are looking at real relationship. And this is how you can find the right hire, and ultimately saving your business time, cost, and a lot of headaches. Digitally transforming your HR department helps you build a workforce of the future. To stay on top of the market, you have to improve the employee experience to create more personalized processes that encourage engagement and communication. When employees can easily and clearly converse with one another, and to their employers, they work more efficiently and productively.

How to get started?

To successfully establish something, it is necessary to have a clear goal and everyone on board. You have to ask yourself the question: “Why are we doing this and who would it benefit?” If you haven’t watched or read Simon Sinek’s series, “Start with Why”, it is a very inspirational series that all decision makers should follow as it explains well why we have to start with this question.

Once a clear goal is defined, it is time to take the next time: “How are we going to do this?” And even though it is the second step, it is arguably, the hardest step.

How do we do this?

With the digital revolution that is currently taking place, companies are constantly introduced to new tools such as ATS, analytical tools, CRM, and AI/IoT services. This not only requires new employees to adapt to more advanced technologies, but HR as well. How can we make sure that we can have the most advanced tools, yet making no mistakes and can transfer over easily?

bravoTALENT is a recruitment tool that gives you a more efficient recruitment process by profiling interests, skills and values. We match your job position with potential candidates automatically. This helps the hiring process to be more cost-efficient and produces better results in a shorter timeframe.

Our recruitment analytics help your candidates define their career paths and make sure that not only your employees are superb at their job, but they will love it too. By identifying key requirements to find the right person for the job, we can evaluate training needs based upon the job needs of enterprises as well as increasing hiring success.

Benefits of using bravoTALENT as your go-to recruitment solution

Many software has promised to solve the same problems, but what actually makes us different?

bravoTALENT creates seamless, transparent communication between employers and candidates.

We understand the power of potential and the importance of an expanded talent pool. bravoTALENT also concentrates on smoothening the interview process, to efficiently reduce both time and cost for recruitment.

Attract & Hire Top Talent Build impressive job postings and career pages, spread awareness of your open positions on social media and popular job websites.

Skill Matching & In-Depth Candidate Evaluation We match your job position with potential candidates automatically, saving up to 20% time on hiring.

Expand your talent pool & nurture new talent Impress all candidates with group collaboration, and nurture relationship with both active and passive candidates for higher recruitment chance.

Shape the future workforce

A committed, skilled and adaptable workforce is essential to ensure a strong, sustainable and balanced growth. Don’t just hire, create a network.