Recent public appointments in Ontario have sparked considerable discussion about the processes used to fill public service positions. They also provide a reminder of the importance of fair hiring processes for all employers.
Setting clear hiring guidelines helps employers to avoid scandals; advance equity, diversity and inclusion; and, just as importantly, increase the odds of finding the best candidate.
Here are our top five tips for employers:
- Advertise widely. You can easily run into trouble if the only people who know you’re hiring are already within your inner networks. Make the opportunity broadly known, otherwise the best candidates may not even know about the job, let alone apply for it.
- Wherever possible, establish a multi-person hiring panel. This will reduce the likelihood that the personal connections of one interviewer dictate who gets hired.
- Establish written questions and a marking scheme. Take notes and grade the candidates in accordance with established criteria. By doing so, you can assess all candidates against the same rubric.
- Focus on qualifications, not “fit”. Sharing a love of hockey or golf is typically not an indicator of capability for most jobs.
- Ask candidates if they require any human rights related accommodations as part of the hiring and recruitment process.
Want to learn more? Contact us.