I am a systems and training expert. Follow me for tips on building processes to manage your team and streamline administrative work and communications. I help businesses create a culture of effective communication, documented systems, and accountability.
Operational Focus - Applicant Screening
Question: What are your criteria for screening applicants?Effective applicant screening is a crucial step in the hiring process. Identifying the right criteria ensures that you attract candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the role but also align with your company's culture and values. Create a map of must-have and preferred skills and use a scorecard to ensure you move forward with the right applicants. Thought: If you're not checking references correctly, you're wasting your time.References are a valuable tool but they should be used judiciously and correctly. First, only request references if you are seriously considering the candidate for the job. Additionally, to ensure authenticity, it is recommended to call the company where the reference works rather than relying on a cell number. References can be easily faked. Take steps to ensure you are talking to someone who actually worked with the candidate. Tip: The pre-screening pre-screenDid you know that Indeed allows job seekers to auto-send resumes to job posts that match their desired job title? That means that some candidates don't review your job description before applying... and that means they might not even be interested in your company... and that means you're wasting your time reviewing their resume. One simple request can help to weed out those who are applying without genuine interest: Ask candidates to email one or two sentences explaining why they are interested in the position. While this can be done in the job description, I prefer to send this request (via auto-response, if possible) to candidates after they send a resume. Clearly state that this is required prior to reviewing their resume but be respectful not to ask too much from applicants before you show an interest in them. Their time is as valuable as yours. By incorporating this step, you can focus on candidates who are truly interested in your organization. Personal Update: In case you missed itI turtle-sat last week! Jamie, my sister's box turtle, has been in the family for over 22 years (she came fully grown), and has a considerable demand for attention and a surprising level of curiosity about ... everything. Rex spent some time showing her the ins and outs of grabbing my attention and how to efficiently sneak in naps during the work day. She's back home now and the office feels a bit - quiet without her. What operational challenges are you currently facing that you'd love to see covered in future newsletters? |
WandaWorks, LLC
I am a systems and training expert. Follow me for tips on building processes to manage your team and streamline administrative work and communications. I help businesses create a culture of effective communication, documented systems, and accountability.
Question: What are your biggest time wasters? Time is a valuable resource, and identifying what wastes it is crucial for productivity. Common time wasters include excessive meetings, constant email checking, multitasking, and social media distractions. To overcome these, try setting specific times for checking emails, using tools to block distracting websites, and preparing meeting agendas to keep discussions on track. Additionally, break tasks into smaller chunks to avoid procrastination....
Chances are pretty good you're attending a meeting this week. Did you know that a recent study showed that 52% of employees lose attention in meetings within 30 minutes and that 71% of meetings are considered unproductive by employees? Efficient meetings can significantly impact our productivity and overall team morale. Whether you are leading, or attending a meeting, here are some practical tips to keep in mind: Set Clear Objectives: Define the purpose of the meeting Share a concise agenda...
Yes. I know. Nobody wants to read this email. (cue scary music) First things first. Why are these Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) so important to track regularly? I mean, you're doing fine; right? You're still in business. But... Do you know that you'll be fine in a couple of months? Finding the right KPIs that matter to your business - and actually tracking them - would give you the heads up that could save your business a few months down the road. Tracking KPIs provides valuable insights...