6 Innovative Employment Screening Tips

The basics of employment screening will always be the resume/application, interview and a background check. However, employers are getting more creative in their methods of connecting with the most reliable candidates in the talent pool and are utilizing more innovative employment screening methods.

Here are six of the more innovative employment screening ideas companies are using:

1. Video Introduction

Just about everyone has access to a smartphone or laptop computer camera, so it’s easy to make a short video that can be shared with potential employers. It could be considered a sort of pre-interview that allows employers to get a sense of the candidate’s personality and communication style before proceeding in the hiring process. Employers can provide tips and set a time limit for the video of around 2 to 3 minutes.

2. 100-Word Cover Letters

Lengthy cover letters are often too time consuming to read for hiring managers, especially those who receive dozens or even hundreds of applications a day. The 100 word cover letter requires applicants to reveal the most significant things about themselves in a succinct, creative way.

3. Problem-Solving Contest

Employers can also consider creating an open-source contest that invites persons who wish to work for the company to solve a real-world company problem. While a job need not be guaranteed to the winner, a prize, internship or position on a probationary basis can be awarded.

4. Team Projects

For positions that require collaborative effort and working as a team, innovative employment screening  should include a group interview scenario with a team project is a great way to see who is a team player. The project should simulate what the applicants would really be doing in their job. A group interview could be conducted in connection with the project as well.

5. Meet the Staff

Another increasingly popular innovative employment screening technique is taking interview candidates around the workplace to meet relevant staff members. Further along in the interview process the applicant can be asked to sit in on work functions and projects. This allows a determination to be made related to how well the individual might fit into the company’s culture. Key staff members can also be asked to sit on a panel interview for more indepth innovative employment screening of the applicant.

6. Include An Industry Interview Question

Employers should consider asking at least one innovative employment screening question related to the state of their industry at large. This will help reveal the applicant’s true level of engagement with the field. It will also be an indicator of the type of worker they will likely prove to be. Some example interview questions might include:

“What do you think is the most important opportunity in our industry right now?”

“What is the most potentially disruptive factor our industry is likely to face in the upcoming year?”

Employers can also have the candidate ask a question or two about the industry as further insight into their level of engagement.

While thinking outside the box can be extremely helpful as employers screen interested parties, some aspects of innovative employment screening should not be overlooked. A criminal background check is essential to help prevent workplace crime. Innovative employment screening can assist in learning the history of an applicant and if they will contribute to a safe and productive workplace.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/isabellaclivilezwu/2016/06/28/7-interview-questions-you-must-ask/

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation.