Does Your Candidate Fit Your Corporate Culture

Ask employers what they think of today s job market and most will respond that they are having a difficult time finding the right people. And if they are seeking qualified computer technology candidates, the challenge becomes that much greater.

Currently there are over 400,000 information technology positions available and this number is expected to grow to over a million by the end of this year. Faced with a limited pool of candidates from which to draw, many employers make hasty hiring decisions and ultimately live to regret their choices. Why? Because they fail to realize that even in a tight labor market, job “fit” matters. It is better to have fewer people in your organization that fit your corporate culture than a large group of people who don t.

Often, an employer considers only a candidate s “hard skills” (education, training and experience) during the interview process. Failing to address the “soft skills” of that candidate can mean the difference between a great fit with the company and one that feels wrong from day one.

Before you make a hiring decision, it s important to get to know the whole person, not just his or her technical abilities. Ask yourself questions like “What will motivate this person to perform well within my organization?” and “Will this candidate thrive in my particular work environment?” You won t find answers to these questions on a resume. Nor will the interview necessarily give you the insight you need to properly judge your candidate. Yet, finding these answers can mean the difference between hiring someone who will last six months and someone who has staying power.

A professional staffing firm can help you make a good hiring decision. Utilizing a sophisticated screening process and appropriate assessment tools, a reputable recruiter can determine your candidate s suitability far beyond that individual s technical credentials.

Testing might reveal that your candidate enjoys working in a fast-paced office with lots of opportunity to interact with other staff. If the logistics of your office requires that your IT person be placed in an isolated location, this might not be a good match-up regardless of that person s credentials.

Testing can also disclose whether or not your candidate feels a sense of urgency about completing projects. If your company is deadline driven, this is important information you need to know before you make a hiring decision. Testing is one of several means by which a professional IT staffing firm can determine if the candidate is right for your organization.

In today s tight job market, hiring for straight technology skills is not enough. Making a wrong hiring decision will cost your company in terms of training time invested and missed opportunities with more qualified candidates. A professional IT staffing firm should be able to guide you through this process using a combination of solid job requirements analysis, stringent screening procedures, and reliable, validated assessment tools.