IT and engineering professionals drive innovation and solve complex problems to help companies keep pace with, or get ahead of, the competition. Because these positions are so critical it is important to pay extra attention when hiring for them.
There are many common pitfalls when trying to hire for IT and engineering jobs. These include poorly written job descriptions, not putting enough focus on soft skills, a protracted interview process and not using a recruitment agency.
Poorly Written Job Descriptions
When job descriptions for IT and engineering positions are poorly written, hiring managers are flooded with poor-fit applicants. Sifting through these applications wastes both time and resources. Even worse, badly written job descriptions can discourage qualified professionals from applying.
The best job descriptions are written collaboratively. Hiring managers and current IT or engineering staff should discuss the essential technical abilities and soft skills needed for the open position. These should be included in the job description along with a description of the typical day and a brief outline of the company culture.
Not Focusing on Soft Skills
Technical abilities are so important to the success of engineers and IT professionals. Assessing them should be the most important part of any interview process. However, the best technical professionals have success because of their soft skills, such as their communication, problem-solving, leadership and collaborative abilities.
Hiring managers should be encouraged to pay attention to candidates’ soft skills. It’s also important to provide hiring managers with the training necessary to assess candidates’ soft skills properly.
A Long Interview Process
A long interview process can come across as chaotic, and this is not the impression you want to give potential new employees. Top-quality candidates may opt out of the process if they feel it is taking far too long. A protracted interview process also gives the competition more time to lure away great candidates.
This pitfall can be avoided by creating process timeline and sticking to it. It’s also important to regularly review the hiring process and make improvements.
Not Using a Recruitment Agency
Talent acquisition agencies can be a powerful tool when it comes to hiring IT and engineering professionals. These agencies can provide fast access to a broad network of potential candidates. They also have expertise in the local markets that companies can use to inform their talent acquisition strategy.
Lighthouse Professional Services Can Connect Your Company to the Talent It Needs!
As a premier engineering and IT recruitment agency in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Lighthouse Professional Services has access to a wide network of talent across New England and beyond. If your company is currently looking to hire an engineer or IT professional, visit our request talent page today.
