Recruiters often have to rely on their own intuition and instincts about people when selecting the right candidate for an open position. It’s during those times that a little help from an expert source can make all the difference! Nancy Drew, girl detective could definitely be a help. Sure, you’re not looking for candidates in the old clock, but Nancy’s keen detective skills can help you find clues to the right candidate.
Recruiting Tips from Nancy Drew
The Case of the Misleading Resume: Nancy Drew is used to carefully studying things like ivory charms, tapping heels, and old attics. But she’d also be great at surfing through a resume, and picking up on hints of greatness. For example, you might not think that the resume of someone who worked as a manager at a restaurant would necessarily be the right candidate to manage a team of writers, but look closer. They have a degree in creative writing, but also managed a team of workers? Nancy Drew says: “Hmm, upon closer inspection, I think this person just might be who we’re looking for!”
The Clue in the Friendly Voice: Nancy Drew would be the first to say that manners and behavior counts. She’s constantly noticing something that’s slightly “off” about one of her suspects. Use your keen detective skills to discover who might be a good fit with your team. Personality does matter when you’re working with someone every day. Nancy Drew says: “Finding some common ground will help your interview process be more productive when finding the right candidate – ask what their working style is like, and their favorite things to do to determine if it’s a personality match.”
The Mystery of the Follow-up Call: Some mysteries just shouldn’t be. It’s best to always be up-front about when you will be getting back to candidates and how so there’s no confusion on either end. Nancy Drew says: “Oh yes, waiting by the phone for a mystery caller is agony! I much prefer if Ned just tells me when he’s going to phone.”
While it can be easy (and sometimes necessary) to bypass resumes after a quick glance, for some positions a closer look might help you find the right candidate in the long run.
Image: SavvyChristine/Flickr
Author: Kristin Clifford
Kristin Clifford has parlayed eight years of marketing experience into a sweet social media gig. She’s also a writer and comedian and social media enthusiast. She would never ever call herself a social media ninja, guru, jedi or ninja guru jedi. Mainly because that’s stupid, and who wants a black belt in stupid? Follow on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn
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