Unveiling the Trade Secrets of HR Professionals in Hiring

Many assume that HR professionals are solely responsible for the entire hiring process. However, reality differs. The initial stage of candidate evaluation and logistics are handled by HR. But the final decision on hiring falls on the hiring managers or department heads. HR's role is crucial, but the secret to hiring hardworking employees lies in the instincts and skills of the hiring managers.

The Role of HR Professionals

HR professionals do the initial groundwork, which includes: Initial telephonic or physical interviews Observing the candidate's communication skills and cultural fit Verifying the details on the candidate's profile and ensuring it matches the job requirements They also handle preliminary suitability assessments and ensure the candidate is placed for further consideration. Finally, HR professionals negotiate the salary and facilitate the final offer. While their role is significant, it typically accounts for around 10 to 15% of the entire hiring process.

The True Hiring Power Lies in the Hiring Manager

The hiring process is often described by HR professionals as the 'Hiring loop.' The hiring manager or department head closes this loop, making the final decision. They hold the power to recognize a candidate's potential, and their gut feel often plays a critical role in the hiring decision. Managerial insights into the candidate's past work history and unexpected 'trick questions' reveal a lot about a candidate's true capabilities.

The Reality of Hardworking Employees

Despite misunderstanding, employers do not particularly value hardworking employees. They prioritize skilled employees. Being punctual, reliable, and self-motivated are commendable traits. However, these qualities are secondary to the candidate's skills and competencies for the job. Employers are more likely to choose a competent worker over a hardworking one who lacks the necessary skills.

Strategies for Hiring Hardworking Employees

So, what are some trade secrets that HR professionals and hiring managers use to hire hardworking employees? Subjective Evaluation: Trust your instincts. Sometimes the gut feeling is more accurate than data. If a candidate appears confident, dedicated, but later proves unfaithful, it reinforces the value of subjective judgment. Challenge the Candidate: Prepare tricky questions that assess the candidate's problem-solving skills and resilience. These questions can reveal a candidate's true potential. Reference Checks: Perform thorough reference checks to verify the candidate's background and reputation within the industry.

The key is to establish a balance between soft skills and hard skills. While being hardworking is a desirable trait, it must be complemented with the necessary skills to excel in the role.

The Bottom Line

While HR professionals play a crucial role in the hiring process, the final decision-making is vested with the hiring managers or department heads. The value of gut instinct and subjective evaluation cannot be overstated. Employers prioritize skilled employees, and HR professionals must strike a balance between ensuring the candidate's skills and their hardworking nature.

Unveiling the trade secrets of HR professionals involves recognizing the importance of both subjective and objective evaluations, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of the candidate, and ultimately striking the right balance between hard work and skills.