Top 6 Hiring Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

When your business is a man down, everyone else has to pick up the slack. They have to adjust and take on new responsibilities until the position is filled. This means that there’s a lot of pressure to find a replacement. However, as the hiring manager, you don’t want to hire just anyone. Hiring the wrong person will only make things worse.
 
Unqualified applicants are unlikely to do a good job. Plus, if they aren’t serious about working for you, they may end up not sticking around. This wastes time and money and forces you to start the hiring process all over again.
 
So, it’s important to find the right person from the get-go. Here are 6 of the most common hiring mistakes and how you can avoid them. 
 
1. Failing to Do Background Checks
 
You should never skip out on background checks. If you are considering multiple applicants, the expense of running background checks can quickly add up. But the cost is well worth it to ensure you have reputable hires.
 
Many employers screen for things like criminal history and credit. While these are important, you want to be as comprehensive as possible. Verify employment history and professional licenses to ensure the candidate is as qualified as they say they are.
 
With websites like scoutlogicscreening.com, employers complete comprehensive background checks. These sites verify important information like criminal history and sex offender status, but also healthcare sanctions and more.
 
With these services, you can ensure you are considering clean applicants. Your workplace will be safe and at a reduced risk of liability.
 
2. Ignoring Legal Requirements When Reviewing Candidates
 
You’ll find yourself in big trouble if you ignore legal requirements when it comes to reviewing candidates. You should familiarize yourself with relevant local and state laws.
 
For instance, criminal records are usually public record. In some cases, records pertaining to workers' compensation and education are readily available. Credit reports, on the other hand, require consent before requesting.
 
3. Turning Away Applicants Because of Past Mistakes
 
Background checks are important, but they don’t always tell the full story.
 
Hiring managers must take hard stances on certain issues. For instance, if someone with bad credit is applying for a money management position, you would be right to deny them the position.
 
However, just because an applicant made minor mistakes in their past doesn’t mean they aren’t the right person for a certain position. Use your discretion in situations like these.
 
4. Not Highlighting Company Culture
 
Potential employees should have a clean record and the right experience. They should also mesh well with your company’s culture.
 
This will ensure they stick around and remain enthusiastic about what you do. To make sure they are a good fit, highlight your company’s culture on job ads and during the interview.
 
5. Botching the Interviews
 
You’ve sifted through lots of applications and chose a few of the best ones. Now, it’s time for interviews.
 
Like the candidates, you should be prepared for the interviews. Make sure you accurately describe the company culture and what the job entails. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. And, most importantly, don’t forget to let them talk. Ask open-ended questions to ensure they convey whether or not they’re a good fit.
 
6. Rushing the Process
 
As we’ve touched on throughout this article, you shouldn’t rush the process. It’s better for your office to be shorthanded for a little while than hiring a poor candidate. Not rushing will save you time and money in the long run. And, it ensures you hire the best person for your company.
 
By taking your time, you’ll be able to avoid these 6 most common hiring mistakes. Follow these tips and you should find the right person in no time!