Creating a collaborative recruiting process is essential for any organization looking to fill a vital role. However, as with most things in life, success is not guaranteed. So before you dive into endless meetings filled with needless indecision, check out these four steps to creating a successful selection committee:
Step #1: Choose a Team that Represents All Stakeholders
The first question you have to ask yourself is: How do you select a selection committee? If your goal is to fill a high ranking role, there are many stakeholders with valuable opinions to consider. When forming your committee, try to find representatives from each of these stakeholder groups (from upper management, to day-to-day operations), and create a collaborative atmosphere where each member can equally share their opinion. As an added bonus, including more people in the hiring decision can ultimately create more company buy-in once the new director is chosen.
Step #2: Have an Initial Meeting to Outline a Solid Strategy
Once you’ve chosen your team, it’s important to have an initial meeting to create a solid hiring strategy. Remember, each member of your committee has a unique and valuable opinion on what he or she needs in this new hire. Use this diversity of opinion to your advantage and include your committee members in the position writing process. Brainstorm position qualifications, along with “need-to-have” skills and “nice-to-have skills,” so that each team member knows that their opinion is being heard.
Step #3: Establish (and Agree Upon) a Realistic Timeline
More collaboration can often lead to more complication – especially when it comes to coordinating schedules. While each member of the team should understand that inclusion in this committee is a time commitment, there are a few ways to streamline and simplify the process. For example, in the early planning stages, send out a list of upcoming meetings and interview times to make sure that everyone saves space on their calendar. Also, be contentious that this hiring process can’t inhibit their ability to do their day-to-day work. If you have the luxury of time, establish a steady pace that moves the process along without overwhelming your committee members with extra work.
Step #4: Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
Once you kick off the search, communication is the key to success. Keep everyone in the loop at every stage of the game (from evaluating initial resumes and conducting phone interviews, to final thoughts after meeting candidates in person). To easily solicit honest feedback, create one central location where you can track all notes and comments. If email chains become too complicated, consider establishing unique applicant files in your applicant tracking system or a simple google doc folder, and invite all members of your committee to openly add comments and opinions.
At the end of the day, creating a collaborative selection committee is essential for organizational success. When each member is able to put forth a true team effort — while providing honest opinions and feedback — you will be able to find the best possible candidate for your company.
To learn more about ways to improve your hiring process, download our online recruiting guide.
Read more: Perfect Your Recruiting in 5 “Little” Steps