Human Resources
What Do Speed Dating and Job Interviews Have in Common? More Than You’d Think
May 18, 2017
Just as online dating and speed dating have changed what it means to find the perfect significant other, workforce management specialists know that the candidate talent pool has changed when it comes to filling your latest opening at your business. Top Millennial Talent is taking over the workforce where they want results, and they want them fast. There is no doubt that a shift in mentality has the average person programmed to expect instant gratification in almost every facet of their life, including in their interview processes while looking for their new career. We are here to help you as an employer to have the most effective interview process.
We have entered an era where faster equals superior, and the world of staffing is no exception. More and more staffing companies are gearing towards their own version of speed dating like interviews to streamline the process. A candidate can see two or more interviewers in a single appointment, vs. returning to a business multiple times for the same process just with a different person. Time savings are arguably the most valuable aspect of streamlined interviewing as the process can be trimmed down to hours from days, and even cut down from months in some cases. That’s right, months. When time is money, this is dollar signs that you could easily be putting back into your business.
As more time conscious millennials enter the workforce, streamlined interviewing could serve as a major incentive to get candidates in the door. Quicker interview processes produce quicker results, and this allows both parties to be as efficient as possible. Often staffing companies are given multiple openings in a single day, and streamlined interviewing is the answer to filling the positions before the end of the business day.
Speed dating interview questions to find your perfect [candidate] “match:”
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
While this question is classic, it packs a punch. Just like in speed dating, the facts the person chooses to share will show what she/he finds most important about themselves and some basic background information. It will paint a picture of what they take pride in as well as demonstrate how well they communicate off the cuff. This will be key in finding a good candidate to add to your team, and to find out how many values they share with your company.
2. “What motivates you?”
If the answer to this question is similar to yours, you may have found a perfect match in the world of speed dating. Same applies when an interviewee’s answer is similar to what your company is looking for in a candidate. If their motivation is similar to the company’s core values, they will likely represent the company well. Company culture has evolved from a perk to a must have and the candidate’s response can show just how well they match up.
3. “What are your long term goals?”
In speed dating, you won’t find a match in someone who doesn’t have similar goals as yourself. If that was the case, it could lead to issues further down the line. Same when finding a perfect candidate for your company. Especially when it comes to staffing companies. They have traditionally been viewed as supplying only temporary positions. While that may be true in some cases, more and more temp to hire and direct hire positions are being filled. By asking what the candidate’s goals are the interviewer will get a better sense of where the best fit may be. For example, an educator looking for a summer job is a very different candidate than one looking for full-time permanent careers.
4. “What questions do you have for me?”
The first three questions are going to tell you who they are, how they got there, why they continue, and where they hope to be going. This question is going to give the dater, or in this case the interviewer another chance to see how willing they are to communicate. The art of communication is one that might be the most important asset to be a perfect fit as a significant other or as a candidate. To be successful out in the workforce, the candidate is going to need to be able to ask questions and seek answers to learn new skills and/or company procedures. Also, how the candidate responds will show how serious they are about the positions and how involved they really are in their own job search.
Although most people would typically not put speed dating and job interviews in the same sentence, as you can see they aren’t much different. By streamlining the interview process and truly listening to the feedback that the candidate is giving you, you could realize who your perfect candidate would be almost immediately. You might call all it love hired at first sight. Make sure to minimize distractions during the interview, and be prepared with questions that are more meaningful than just the standard one-liner. Soon your company will be on their way to a fast but effective interview process.
Blog written by: Kendra Alexander, Professional Recruiter
