4 Ways to Streamline Your Interview Process

Time is of the essence when it comes to filling open positions in your company, and when making the right hire is on the line, your interview process could make all the difference. Eliminating interviewing hold-ups is key, especially considering that it takes 1-2 years for an employee to be adequately trained.

Tightening up your interview process sounds great, but where do you start? Read on to discover four ways to streamline your interview process and fill roles more efficiently.

1. Make Applications Mobile-Friendly

First things first, consider the length of your applications. Top talent may quickly lose interest if the application and requirements seem arduous. While you don’t want to make the process too easy, at least optimize your website for mobile, and cut applications down to two to three pages. Think of it this way: If a prospective employee can complete the application on a mobile phone in around 15 minutes, you’re headed in the right direction.

2. Utilize Video Interviews

Sure, there’s nothing like meeting candidates in person to get a feel for their personalities and fit for the company culture. But there’s something to be said for saving both parties some time and travel by scheduling video interviews for the first phase of the process. Consider using video interviews to weed out a large group of applicants, and then bring candidates into the office for the final round of interviews. In addition to saving costs and preventing scheduling issues, video interviews can also boost the overall candidate experience.

3. Get Ahead of Bottlenecks

When upper-level management fails to prioritize resumes and interview schedules, even the most efficient interview processes can be slowed down. Get ahead of possible bottlenecks with creative solutions. Consider scheduling panel-style interviews instead of multiple one-on-one interviews reviewing the same questions, and revise management team goals to prioritize the recruitment of new talent.

4. Communicate Throughout the Process

The ultimate way to lose the top applicants? Fail to communicate throughout the process. And it’s no surprise when considering that 82 percent of applicants want a clear timeline to remain interested in the position. Recruiters would be wise to share that timeline upfront, and communicate any deviations throughout the process. Prioritizing communication with applicants will keep them engaged and interested in the position.

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Hiring, training, and retaining talent can be a challenge even for the most seasoned recruiters and HR professionals. But by implementing these tips, you can make significant progress toward streamlining the interview process and create a better experience for both recruiters and candidates alike.