The Power of Feedback
Recruiting is hard enough without the added complexity of having to give feedback. It can feel time consuming and hard to get right, but done well, feedback can be a really positive part of the process. So what benefits are there for you as a hiring manager and what steps can you take to do it better?
Why is Feedback Important?
Let’s be honest, feedback is common courtesy. If someone has invested time and effort into an interview process then they deserve to know how they have done in a timely manner.
But not only is it polite, it’s also a great PR opportunity. Done well, it can keep applicants engaged throughout the process and can often be the differentiator in securing your preferred candidate for the role.
Also, think of all the people you interview who don’t get the job, every one of them could still have a brilliant candidate experience leading to long term candidate engagement. Perhaps they need to develop their skills further, they may apply later down the line or even recommend your company to friends or colleagues. Sharing feedback is excellent for employer branding.
However it’s not always easy to prioritise, so here are our three top tips on how you can stand out as a hiring manager the next time you hire;
1. Schedule a Buffer
It doesn’t need to take long, next time you interview, schedule a buffer and block out 5-10 minutes in your diary immediately after the interview to collate your feedback. You can use this time to review your notes and reflect on how well they met the selection criteria and if you’ve interviewed with a colleague then you can share your thoughts. By taking a few minutes whilst everything is fresh in your mind, you will save a lot of time in a few days trying to remember relevant and purposeful feedback and you can be ahead of the curve.
2. Be Transparent on Timeframes
Being transparent on timeframes can really help to manage expectations and will keep engagement throughout the process. Perhaps you have further candidates booked in for interview, you need to discuss next steps with a colleague who is on holiday or you simply haven’t made a decision yet. A simple explanation for someone about when they will hear back and a reason for any delays can be a really powerful way of showing how you communicate as a manager, whilst also being great for your company brand.
3. Feedback on Every Candidate
You can really stand out from the crowd if you share feedback on all candidates you meet. More often than not, we don’t think to share feedback on the people we’re progressing with, but talking through what someone did well and any areas that they could expand on in the next interview is not only useful but shows that you’re investing time and effort in the process.
So next time you’re hiring, try including these three tips to make sure you’re excelling as a hiring manager and standing head and shoulders above the rest.