Up until now, you’ve held all the power in the hiring process, and now it’s your turn to play the waiting game. You’re confident you selected the right applicant to hire, you just hope you did enough to make them want to come aboard.
Here are some tips to follow as an employer/recruiter after an interview to strengthen your chances of getting that hire.
1. Show that you’re still interested
Whether it’s been a day or a few days since you extended an offer to the potential hire, it’s important to let them know you haven’t forgot about them. The control has been shifted over to the applicant, and the employer or recruiter must make it clear that we haven’t lost interest. While they are still making their mind, send an email or give a phone call to let them know you are awaiting their response. Make sure to highlight how well they did throughout the interview and application process, while making subtle hints about the excitement of them joining your company.
2. Know when to sit tight
While it is important to show that you are still interested, it’s crucial that you don’t bombard them with unnecessary emails. This would scare any potential employee away. You don’t want them to get the idea that this could be a regular thing if they were an employee. As suggested, send one email either the day of the interview, or a couple (2) days after the interview to allow breathing room on both sides. If you feel like you forgot to disclose important information, make a quick, simple email explaining what you wish to share—and that’s it.
3. Connect with “Runner Up” Candidates
Staying hopeful, but realizing the odds might not always be in your favor, it’s important to still remain connected to those 1-2 candidates who seemed just as good. This may translate into you sending them thank-you emails for coming out to interview with you. It’s important to not push them away but make them feel connected to the company—even if they weren’t the final selection. You never know what the future could entail.
4. Treat your new hire with respect
Respect. This can be a big factor in determining not only the acceptance of an offer, but the longevity of a new hire. At this point you should have a clear understanding of the candidate. Make sure they feel comfortable and welcome throughout the whole process. If they do decide to accept the offer, make sure to offer assistance and they feel acclimated on their first day. You don’t want to acquire this new hire only to start the hiring process over again simply because they felt ignored or under-appreciated.
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Justin Zuniga is CareerPlug’s sales and marketing intern.
