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4 Ways to Screen Candidates Even Quicker

The recruiter who moves the fastest typically comes out on top in the staffing industry.  One of the most time consuming parts of the recruiting process can be initial candidate screens.

There are 4 ways you can effectively speed up your candidate screening process.

1. Establish Key Qualifiers for the Job

Before you begin to even look at resumes or pick up the phone make sure that you know your key qualifiers for the job.  You should know the must-haves as well as the nice-to-haves.

When you are reviewing resumes, quickly skim them for the key skills needed.  Do not try to read each and every resume – this will slow you down like you wouldn’t believe!  Learning to skim resumes for keywords you are looking for will save you a lot of time.

Once you have several resumes that seem to match up with the job’s key qualifiers, it’s time to make phone calls to candidates.

Before you make the first call, make sure that you know the questions you will ask.  These questions should focus on your key qualifiers.  Know which qualifiers are a must or a plus.  If a candidate does not meet the minimum requirements, professionally end the call.

2. Recruit a Helper

One excellent way to speed up the screening process is to find someone to help you with initial screening.  If there is someone who can help you weed through resumes and make initial phone calls, you will have more time to focus on candidates who are the right fit.

Consider creating a cheat sheet for skimming resumes by including keywords that your helper should look for.  Also, creating a questionnaire for the initial screen will guide your helper in asking the right questions and determining if the candidate is a fit.

3. Utilize One-Way Video Screens

When your limited on time, it can be helpful to collect one-way video screens from candidates versus picking up the phone and getting stuck in voicemail jail when trying to conduct the initial phone screen.

When you use one-way video screens you are able to ask the candidate the same questions you would ask in a typical phone screen.  The only difference is that you don’t have to physically ask the questions and you also get the added bonus of being able to see the candidate’s response and reaction.

4. Stay Focused

Staying focused is key if you want to have a quicker screening process.  If you are trying to answer emails, source resumes, or surf the internet while screening a candidate you will lose your train of thought and waste time on the call.

Stay focused on each phone screen and keep your end goal in mind.

What are some other ways you might speed up the screening process?  Please leave your tips in the comments below.

Julia Weeks

Julia is a skilled Recruiter with over 8 years of experience in sourcing, interviewing, and hiring within many industries globally. She works closely with hiring managers and job seekers to understand needs and desires, while offering guidance and ensuring the right fit. When not recruiting or writing, Julia enjoys spending time outside cycling, taking her dog for walks, or honing her sailing skills.