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    Want to Ace Behavioral Interviews? A Guide to Prep Jobseekers

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    No matter the role you’re interviewing for, companies want to know that you’re curious, hard-working, and most importantly, a good fit for their team. The behavioral interview is a way to gauge if your past experiences, current interests, and future goals align with the company’s needs. 

    Hired and SheCanCode are here to help you build confidence in this part of the process with our new guide. 

    What is a behavioral interview?

    Behavioral interviews specifically evaluate a candidate’s past behavior to predict their future performance in the prospective role. 

    Expect questions like, “Can you tell me about a time when you faced a conflict while working on a team?” or “Describe a situation when you had to use your leadership skills to resolve an issue.” 

    Get more insights into the kinds of questions to expect in the eBook and this blog.

    Situational versus behavioral interviews 

    Unlike traditional interviews, which focus on hypothetical scenarios or inquiries about qualifications and skills, behavioral interviews dig deep into your past experiences. 

    In a situational interview, you might be asked, “What would you do if you were given a project with a tight deadline and limited resources?” The goal is to understand how you would handle potential scenarios in the future, rather than analyzing how you’ve handled situations in the past.

    Why behavioral interviews matter

    The primary purpose of a behavioral interview is to assess whether you have the capabilities to excel in the role. These types of interviews are based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.

    By analyzing your responses, interviewers identify patterns, understand how you approach problems, deal with challenges, or collaborate with teams. They’re not looking for the “correct” answer. Instead, they want to understand how you think, operate, and react in various scenarios.

    Behavioral interviews help employers get to know who’s behind the resume and uncover the skills they know the job requires. They capture insight into your problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication abilities, leadership qualities, and other key characteristics. 

    While your technical skills and qualifications might get your foot in the door, your behavioral competencies often determine whether you’ll fit into the company’s culture and perform well in your role. 

    Behavioral interviews and the hiring process

    Behavioral interviews typically happen during the later stages of the hiring process, often during the second or third round of interviews. Typically, a hiring manager or someone who has a deep understanding of the role and its requirements conducts behavioral interviews in those stages.

    However, the timing of the interviews varies depending on the company and the specific job role. Some organizations may have a behavioral interview right off the bat. In this case, you’d likely be interviewed by the recruiter. 

    Whomever your interviewer may be, they’re seeking a well-rounded perspective on your behavioral traits and potential fit in the company.

    But don’t get too nervous – Hired and SheCanCode are equipping you with everything you need to ace your next behavioral interview!  More

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      Concerned about Employee Monitoring Software? How to Ask about It in a Job Interview

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      In today’s digital work-from-home world, as many as 60% of companies with remote employees use employee monitoring software to track employees’ activities during work hours. While this may be insightful for the company, it also raises concerns for jobseekers who value their privacy and autonomy. 

      If you’re a jobseeker who wants to know more about employee monitoring software before accepting a job offer, keep reading for tips on how to ask about it during an interview.

      What is employee monitoring software? 

      Employee monitoring software (EMS) is software used to keep track of when and how employees work. It essentially monitors productivity and collects data through employees’ tech devices. From supervising performance to intercepting illegal activities, employers use EMS for a number of reasons.

      The software may track:

      Time 

      Activity

      Project management 

      Email 

      Generally, if you’re on the clock, an employer has full discretion to make the rules. Employers do need to inform employees they maintain the right to monitor behavior. But they don’t need to be specific about the info they are obtaining or what they are using to get it.  

      And in case you were wondering: yes, employee monitoring software is legal. An employer using it might even notify employees and get their consent. 

      New data regulation laws

      In July 2023, New York City will release a new AI law requiring employers to inform candidates of any personal data collected during hiring and promotions. Oher locations inlcuding California, Washington DC, and Vermont are in the process of enacting similar AI-related laws. 

      New York’s AI law has received some mixed feedback from public advocates. Even tech leaders such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Brad Smith are calling for more oversight into AI algorithms at the national level. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recently warned employers that they’re responsible for any AI-generated discrimination. 

      So, what are some graceful ways during the interview process to go about discovering if a company uses employee monitoring software? 

      1. Research the company’s policy beforehand

      Before going into the interview, do some research on the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. Check the company’s website or LinkedIn page for any information on their policy. You can also reach out to current or former employees of the company to get an idea of how the company uses monitoring software. In this instance, Glassdoor or Blind might provide relevant information.

      2. Ask about the company’s policy during the interview

      We wouldn’t recommend asking this immediately, of course. Determine how critical an issue this is for you and gauge the pros and cons along with the rapport you’ve created with the interviewer. 

      If you feel it’s necessary to your feelings about the role, you could ask the interviewer about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. You can phrase your question as follows: “Can you tell me more about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software? How does the company use it, and what kind of data does it collect?”

      Tone is important here. Be curious, and upbeat, to keep the conversation friendly but professional. 

      3. Ask about the reasons behind using the software

      It’s important to understand why the company is using employee monitoring software. Ask the interviewer why the company feels the need to use it and what benefits it provides. You can also ask about any specific incidents that led the company to start using the software.

      4. Ask about how the software is used and who has access to the data

      It’s important to know how the software is used and who has access to the data it collects. Ask the interviewer about how the software is used on a day-to-day basis and who has access to the data it collects. You can also ask about the security measures the company has in place to protect the data.

      5. Express your concerns and ask for clarification

      If you have any concerns about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software, express them to the interviewer and ask for clarification. For example, if you’re concerned about your privacy, ask about how the company protects your personal data. 

      If you’re concerned about being micromanaged, ask about how the company balances monitoring with trust. 

      For example, you might say: “Trust is a key value for me. How do you demonstrate trust with employees? Does the company have specific rules around being online at certain times or not using company property for private emails outside of work hours?”

      How can I protect my privacy? 

      Keep your work life and personal life separate. Assume what you do with company property is not private. This includes devices and programs (email, Slack, Zoom, etc.) you use through work.  

      When is the most appropriate time to ask?

      The simple answer is: the sooner the better. If EM software is a dealbreaker for you, don’t let time pass in the process without inquiring.

      Is a company using employee monitoring software right for me?

      Based on the information you get from any questions asked in an interview, how does that company compare to others? Determine what it is you’re looking for in the answers to understand if the company and role are right for you. 

      Concerned about employee monitoring software? Be proactive.

      As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital landscape, it’s important for both employers and employees to understand the nuances and implications of technology like employee monitoring software. Consider your own comfort and needs as a jobseeker regarding privacy and autonomy at work. Be proactive and ask questions if you have concerns. 

      If you’re a jobeeker on Hired, the Candidate Experience Team is there to help you throughout your search. The team is available to coach jobseekers through the hiring process and even support them if the need to ask tough or awkward questions arises.  More

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      How to Manage Inbound Applications & Rethink Talent Sourcing Analytics: Tips for Recruiters

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      Experiencing an overwhelming volume of inbound applications? In a new episode of Talk Talent to Me, LTK’s Global Head of Talent and People Analytics Shally Steckerl shares the importance of balancing application friction and how to optimize the applications coming in (especially when it’s become so easy to apply). 

      With Shally’s insights, let’s explore how to think about talent sourcing analytics in a new way and manage a flood of applications. 

      Handling too many inbound applications

      Shally has noticed a recent increase in candidate volume on LinkedIn. Reflecting on this, he says:

      “It’s more people clicking on jobs. But compared to the per capita click per job per person, it’s gone down. It used to be that a hundred people would be looking for jobs and fifty of them would be clicking on jobs a day. Now, it’s ten thousand people looking for jobs, [and] more like a thousand people clicking them. 

      There’s more indiscriminate clicking. We get the same person applying for dozens of jobs and [LinkedIn’s] Easy Apply doesn’t seem to really be a good idea anymore because we have too many applicants too quickly.” 

      Tools like this enable low-intent candidates and result in a “fire hose of candidates,” which usually means fewer fits for a role but more work for the recruiter. Seeing how much time and money this wastes, Shally encourages talent professionals to shift to a big-picture view. 

      Related: Connect with a curated pool of highly qualified tech candidates on Hired.

      Evaluate your hiring tools

      Shally points out teams may be spending a lot of money on a tool “where only a quarter of one percent of the people is getting hired.” Can you relate?

      Related: How to Secure Approval for New Tech Tools (Free Template)

      “There are other tools where I’m spending less and getting more hires per capita. I need to think about that and try to improve the conversion of quality from LinkedIn by essentially decreasing the volume.

      All the different aspects of recruiting start to come under the microscope and into question. Are they a good return on investment? As a recruiter, you want all the money to spend on all the tools because you don’t know what’s going to work. But when it’s your budget, you really start to look at what you’re spending your money on in a different way.”

      Related: Get Internal Approval for Recruiting Tools: A Step-by-Step Playbook

      4 Ways to better balance the hiring process

      Over the last few years, there’s been a lot of talk about how important it is to reduce friction in the application process. That might include:

      Removing the cover letter 

      Not asking applicants for information already on their resume

      Making the job application process mobile-friendly

      But then the floodgates open.

      Shally believes there needs to be a balance when it comes to reducing friction. “You want to reduce friction so you’re not making it inordinately awkward and difficult to apply. [At the same time,] you don’t want to reduce friction to the point where people can indiscriminately apply.”

      So what can you do to achieve a balance? He suggests the following strategies.

      1. Advertise jobs more selectively

      “You could use, for example, programmatic advertising. This would spend your advertising dollars on destinations producing the outcome you want. Rather than looking for the outcome to be an indiscriminate number of applications, now we need to measure the source based on the percentage of interviews it generates.

      Let’s say Source A has a hundred applicants but produced five interviews. Source B has ten applicants but also produced five interviews. Source B is producing higher quality per capita so I need to look at that.”

      2. Prioritize outcomes over activity

      “Activity refers to clicks and applies, which are really not relevant anymore. The outcome would be an interview or other results downstream. At the very least, you should be looking at which ones are making it to the interview because that’s a good indicator.” 

      More on this later… 

      3. Improve job description readability

      A few tips to keep in mind:

      Make job descriptions more gender-neutral. 

      Make job descriptions interesting and appealing. 

      Structure the order of information and how much information is present. 

      Make job descriptions shorter (without removing the interesting parts).

      Keep your company brand, mission, and vision apparent without excess text and long lists of bullet points.

      Shally says you might say, “‘If you’re interested in this kind of job, you landed in the right place.’ or ‘This is the kind of job for people like this. If this is you or you are someone who does this, then this is the job.’ 

      Then you have a little bit about what’s exciting about a job, the requirements to qualify the candidates, and the nice parts. Somebody will read that and know they’re in the right place and check those boxes. All the details need to be succinctly visible on the page.” 

      You’ll also have people looking at the job and realizing it’s not a fit for them. They might actually opt out after looking at the minimum qualifications or because they don’t align with the mission. This provides an effective filter to reach the right people. 

      4. Enhance employer brand

      It’s also possible you have a high volume of applicants because people are just looking at the job and have no idea what your company does. Address this by creating an employer branding campaign to make more people aware of what your company does. 

      “That way, they don’t have to determine that from the job posting itself. Candidates instead focus on reading the job requirements to see if they’re a fit.”

      Related: 8 Ways to Hire Faster & Build a Better Employer Brand

      Rethink your hiring metrics

      In this episode, Shally emphasizes a focus on the quality of a hire over the activity numbers game. When evaluating the best sources, he likes to compare which source led to the most amount of interviews. 

      So, why the interview? Why not go further back or ahead? 

      Once you get a candidate and a hiring manager to agree to meet with each other (whether they actually do or not), consider it a win. This is still a positive indicator of quality according to Shally. Where things tend to no longer depend on a recruiter’s ability to attract people is beyond the interview. 

      “Before the interview, we can’t measure quality because all we know is they applied – unless you want to look at every resume.

      Anything beyond the interview is out of the control of the recruiter because the hiring manager is the one conducting the interviews to determine the actual hiring of a candidate.” 

      Let’s consider the end of the funnel – the number of job offers. Here, you’re “looking at the quality of the entire process. That’s not just the source of the applicants. It’s the source of the interview experience, compensation, employment brand, hiring manager competencies as an interviewer, background check, and market conditions. These things don’t need to be tied to that source.

      You would be crediting a source for an offer when, in reality, there’s more to the offer than the source. However, there’s not much more to the interview than the source.” 

      Level up your talent sourcing  

      Want more insight into reaching high-quality candidates in a flood of applicants? Download this eBook to uncover 8 ways to prevent and/or handle an overwhelming amount of inbound applications.

      If your team needs some temporary or long-term help sourcing candidates for tech or sales roles, Hired can help! As an extension of your team, Hired Sourcers shortlist, screen, and manage communications to keep the process moving. Learn more about Hired Technical Sourcing services.

      Want more insights just for recruiters?

      Tune into Hired’s podcast, Talk Talent to Me, to learn about the strategies, techniques, and trends shaping recruitment and talent acquisition—straight from top experts themselves. More

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      8 Final Round Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared for as a Tech Jobseeker

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      Be ready for common final round interview questions with this guide

      Congratulations – you’ve made it through the hiring process and you’re preparing for final round interview questions to secure your dream job! This is a big deal – it means you’ve impressed the hiring team with your skills, experience, and potential. However, it also means the stakes are higher and you need to prepare thoroughly to stand out from the other candidates.

      If you’re a jobseeker in tech, you know how competitive the industry can be. Final round interviews often consist of more challenging questions designed to assess your technical expertise as well as your soft skills, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities. This final round interview is your chance to really showcase your skills and experience, and to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. 

      In some cases, the hard skills assessment period is over and the final round is more about determining team fit, or more appropriately, “add.” It’s to determine between the finalists which one will bring the most value to the team, or be the addition it needs. You may also discover this round is focused on selling you on the role. 

      To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of top final round interview questions for tech jobseekers, along with tips on how to answer them.

      1. Tell Me About Yourself

      You’ve probably already answered this classic question in early stage interviews, but be prepared to respond again, especially if you’re meeting new people in the final round. We’ve written an article about how to answer ‘tell me about yourself’ question for tech talent with some great tactics. 

      As a bonus, use this final round interview opportunity to further personalize your response. Revise your answer using what you’ve learned about the role and the team so far.

      2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

      This classic interview question is often used to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. However, in the final round, the interviewer may be looking for more specific examples and how they relate to the job requirements.

      When answering this question, it’s essential to focus on the strengths that are relevant to the job and the company culture. For example, if you’re applying for a software development position, you could mention your strong coding skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well in a team.

      For your weaknesses, avoid generic answers like “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” Instead, be honest about an area where you could improve but also show how you’re actively working on it. For example, you could say, “I tend to get nervous when presenting to large groups, but I’ve been taking public speaking classes to improve my confidence.”

      3. What experience do you have in this particular area of tech?

      Interviewers ask this question to see how well you understand the specific area of tech the company is focused on, and how you might be able to contribute to the team. To answer a final round interview question like this, highlight any relevant experience you have, and talk about any specific projects or accomplishments to showcase your skills in this area.

      4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and developments in your field?

      In tech, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is crucial. Employers want to know you’re committed to continuing your education and staying current with industry changes. The interviewer wants to know if you have a passion for learning and if you’re proactive about keeping your skills relevant.

      When answering this question, show that you have a growth mindset and that you enjoy exploring new ideas and technologies. Talk about any industry events you’ve attended, online courses or certifications you’ve completed, or any side projects you’ve worked on to expand your knowledge. 

      For example, you could say, “I’m passionate about keeping up with the latest trends in software development. I regularly attend tech conferences and meetups, read industry blogs and newsletters, and take online courses to expand my knowledge. 

      Recently, I implemented a new cloud-based infrastructure in our company that reduced our costs and improved our scalability.”

      Interview Tip: 

      Don’t forget to include hobbies or volunteer activities here. If you help coach a high school robotics team or provide a nonprofit with web development support, for example, it’s great to share.

      Related: Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report

      5. How do you approach problem-solving in a tech environment?

      Tech jobs are all about problem-solving, and employers want to know you have a solid approach to tackling challenges. When answering this question, talk about any specific problem-solving techniques you use. This might include breaking down problems into smaller parts. Perhaps it’s using data to inform your decisions or collaborating with team members to brainstorm solutions.

      Related: Want to Ace Technical Interviews? A Guide to Prep Software Engineers

      6. How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?

      Chances are your work environment will be fast-paced and high-pressure at times, so demonstrate you can handle these kinds of situations. When answering this question, discuss any experience you’ve had working under tight deadlines, and how you managed to stay focused and productive in those instances. You might also share any strategies you use to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation.

      7. Can you walk me through a project you worked on from start to finish?

      Employers want to see how you approach projects from beginning to end, and how you collaborate with others along the way. In your answer, highlight your specific contributions to the project. Be sure to mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. You can also tell your interviewer about any lessons you learned from the project and how you might apply them to future projects.

      Related: Interviewing with the CTO? 3 Strategies to Help Prepare

      8. Why do you want to work for this particular company?

      Show you’re genuinely interested in the company and the work they do. When answering this question, do your research beforehand. Highlight specific aspects of the company that appeal to you. This could be the company culture, their mission or values, or specific projects or initiatives they’re working on. 

      Don’t be afraid to reference previous interviews in which you gained new insights. This shows how engaged you’ve been throughout the interview process and that you’ve connected with the team. 

      Final round interview questions? You’ve got this!

      Before we close, let’s review a great quote from author Thea Kelley. She said, “Interviewers are sick of robotic, canned answers people have read in books. So think through and prepare your own answers—ones that are both authentic and strategic.” We hope this article has given you food for thought. And, provided you with some material to contemplate as you organize and prepare some response options.

      Making it to the final round of a tech job interview is a major achievement. By preparing for common final round interview questions and practicing a bit, you’ll go into the interview feeling ready as ever. Remember to highlight your relevant skills and experience, and to showcase your passion for the industry and the work you do. With a little preparation and a lot of confidence, you will land the tech job of your dreams. Good luck! More

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      AI in Talent Acquisition, Talent Sourcing Analytics, & More: Talk Talent to Me May ’23 Recap

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      Catch up on the May 2023 episodes of Hired’s Talk Talent to Me podcast featuring recruiting and talent acquisition leadership who share strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry. 

      AI in talent acquisition with Justin Ghio, Director of Talent Sourcing at Activision Blizzard

      Talent sourcing and people analytics with Shally Steckerl, Global Head of Talent Sourcing and People Analytics at LTK 

      Hiring and building a successful team with Erica Maureen Carder, Head of Talent Lifecycle at Wellthy

      1. Justin Ghio, Director of Talent Sourcing at Activision Blizzard

      AI is taking every industry by storm and tech recruiting is no exception. Justin encourages talent professionals to view AI in recruitment as a tool to enhance productivity and hiring processes. He explains everything he knows about AI in the talent sphere, why it is misunderstood, and how to make it work for you. Read this blog to dive deeper into the episode.

      “AI can’t do everything from start to finish for me. What it can do is give me 10 options to look at faster than I can think through one option.”

      Listen to the full episode.

      2. Shally Steckerl, Global Head of Talent Sourcing and People Analytics at LTK 

      Shally shares why we need to find talent-sourcing tools other than LinkedIn, the importance of balancing application friction, and how to optimize the applications coming in (especially when it’s free to apply). He tells us why he considers the interview set-up to be the first marker of recruitment success – and why recruitment success should not only be based on the number of hires.

      “You want to reduce friction so that you’re not making it inordinately awkward and difficult to apply but you also don’t want to reduce friction to a point where people can indiscriminately apply. There’s that fine balance.”

      Listen to the full episode.

      3. Erica Maureen Carder, Head of Talent Lifecycle at Wellthy

      For Erica, finding the right kind of employees – ones prone to growth and seeking out challenges – is fundamental to success. She talks about why this individual attitude is the number one thing she looks for in prospective hires. She also shares what makes for capable employees and why there are no perfect candidates out there.

      “If you have employees that are stagnant, guess what? They are not going to be engaged.”

      Listen to the full episode.

      Want more insights into recruiting tips and trends?

      Tune into Hired’s podcast, Talk Talent to Me, to learn about the strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry—straight from top experts themselves. More

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      Too Many Inbound Job Applicants But Not Enough Qualified Ones? 8 Tactics to Solve It

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      As a recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, or hiring manager, you may have experienced an overwhelming number of inbound job applicants. Sadly, with the ease of online job submissions, many of the candidates won’t meet the requirements but apply anyway. While a high number of job applicants could be described as a “good” problem, it creates new problems when the majority are poor matches. 

      This makes the recruitment and hiring process challenging and consumes valuable time, especially on lean teams or in startups without dedicated recruiters, to sift through resumes to find qualified candidates. Fortunately, there are a few strategies and tactics to handle too many inbound applicants to a job but not enough qualified ones.

      In this eBook, we’ll cover 8 ways to prevent and/or handle it when you have a flood of inbound candidates. But first, ask yourself…

      Do You Need to Post Jobs Online?

      There’s no rule that says you need to list your open roles on your site or within other channels, especially if you:

      Don’t have the capacity to handle an overwhelmed inbound pipeline

      Your company has had a reduction in force (RIF) or layoffs in the last six to 12 months. The optics of open roles, especially if they’re similar to eliminated ones, is bad for your employer brand and employee morale. 

      Only have a few roles to fill due to internal changes or attrition

      Outbound Candidates are 5x More Likely to Be Hired than Inbound

      According to a 2022 article, companies saw greater success in hiring outbound candidates versus inbound candidates. Why? As one SVP of Talent said about inbound, “It’s the lowest-quality and lowest-ROI channel you have because of the sheer volume and lack of strategy involved.” 

      Advice from LTK’s Global Head of Talent Sourcing and People Analytics on Too Many Inbound Job Applicants

      In a new episode of Talk Talent to Me, LTK’s Shally Steckerl reflects on the recent increase in candidate volume he sees on LinkedIn:

      “It’s more people clicking on jobs. But compared to the per capita click per job per person, it’s gone down. It used to be that a hundred people would be looking for jobs and fifty of them would be clicking on jobs a day. Now, it’s ten thousand people looking for jobs, but more like a thousand people clicking them. 

      There’s more indiscriminate clicking. We get the same person applying for dozens of jobs and [LinkedIn’s] Easy Apply doesn’t seem to really be a good idea anymore because we have too many applicants too quickly.” 

      Tools like this enable low-intent candidates and result in a “fire hose of candidates,” which usually means fewer fits for a role but more work for the recruiter. Seeing how much time and money this wastes, Shally encourages talent professionals to shift to a big-picture view. 

      Related: Connect with a curated pool of highly qualified tech candidates on Hired.

      The Big Picture Point of View of Too Many Inbound Job Applicants

      Shally’s solution includes reducing friction just the right amount so there’s a balance in how easy it is to apply for positions. He suggests strategies including improving job description readability, enhancing employer brand, and prioritizing outcomes over activity. 

      In fact, Shally emphasizes a focus on the quality of a hire over the activity (clicks and applies) numbers game.

      So, what exactly should you be doing to reach those quality candidates in a flood of applicants? Use this eBook to uncover 8 ways to prevent and/or handle an overwhelming amount of inbound candidates. More

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      Investing in Early Talent, Relearning, & More: Talk Talent to Me April ’23 Recap

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      Catch up on the April 2023 episodes of Hired’s Talk Talent to Me podcast featuring recruiting and talent acquisition leadership who share strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry. 

      Putting people first with Kelly Minella, Head of Recruiting at Calendly

      Investing in early talent with Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Quintrix 

      Relearning and eliminating biases with Jenny Cotie Kangas, Director of Employer Branding and Awareness at PandoLogic

      Creating a thriving company culture with Maryjo Charbonnier, CHRO at Kyndryl 

      1. Kelly Minella, Head of Recruiting at Calendly

      Put people first. You’ll be more likely to make quality hires and maintain a cohesive work environment, according to Kelly. In this episode, she shares how she knew her CEO cared about prioritizing people and the importance of a talent team having a shared understanding. Plus, Kelly tells how the introduction of interview training has made Calendly better and why you should always be asking for and reviewing candidate feedback.

      “I applied [to Calendly], and my first conversation was with our CEO, Tope Awotona, and it was fabulous. I remember calling my mom afterward and being like, ‘Mom, that was special’. And the reason why, and why it has remained special, is how much priority he puts on people.”

      Listen to the full episode.

      2. Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Quintrix 

      Investing in early talent is becoming more popular. Krishna discusses why businesses need to think more about this talent in the long term and how companies can better support their new recruits. He also dives into his game-changing post-deployment framework and why many candidates are falling short of the mark. 

      “Career development, or lack thereof, is the number one reason for people to leave their jobs and explore other opportunities. So, you want to make sure that the candidates are constantly receiving the support, feedback, and career development to be successful.” 

      Listen to the full episode.

      3. Jenny Cotie Kangas, Director of Employer Branding and Awareness at PandoLogic

      Sometimes the best approach to a challenge is to start from scratch. When Jenny lost most of her memories as a result of a head injury, she underwent a process of extreme relearning. Though the experience came with hardships and frustrations, it was hugely beneficial to her professional life. In this inspiring episode, Jenny shares how learning to explain things in their simplest form, eliminating biases and blindspots, and employing reverse engineering strategies leads to true organizational change.

      “When you storytell something in a way that makes sense to a 10-year-old – all of a sudden everybody can understand it. Not just the top 10% or the most experienced in your organization, but everybody can. And when you’re trying to actually make change happen, your goal is to hit everybody, not just the top 10%.”

      Listen to the full episode.

      4. Maryjo Charbonnier, CHRO at Kyndryl 

      Maryjo isn’t afraid of a challenge. In fact, she has sought out difficult problems to be part of a solution. Her passion for change-making led her to be Chief HR Officer at the world’s largest startup with over 90,000 employees and $19 billion in revenue. As an expert on cultural processes, Maryjo explains what it takes to cultivate and maintain a thriving company culture. 

      “One of the most important things HR people do is listen to what isn’t said.” 

      Listen to the full episode. 

      Want more insights into recruiting tips and trends?

      Tune into Hired’s podcast, Talk Talent to Me, to learn about the strategies, techniques, and trends shaping the recruitment industry—straight from top experts themselves. More

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      How Many Candidates Should You Interview for a Job? Hiring Best Practices

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      A lot of hiring managers want to know, “How many candidates should you interview for a job?” It’s a common conundrum faced by many decision-makers during the recruitment process. In the challenging and ever-evolving world of business, one of the most important decisions a hiring manager, recruiter, startup founder, or CEO will make is who to bring on board their team. As the backbone of every organization, a quality workforce can shape the success or downfall of a company. With such high stakes involved, it’s crucial to be equipped with an optimal strategy when conducting interviews.

      While there is no universal answer, this blog post will explore some key factors to consider when determining the number of candidates to interview for a specific role.

      6 Things to Consider When Determining How Many Candidates to Interview for a Job

      1. The Complexity of the Job or Role

      The complexity of the job position plays a significant role in determining the number of candidates you should interview. For roles that require advanced skills or specific experience, you might need to interview more candidates to find the ideal match. On the contrary, for positions with less complex requirements, a smaller pool might suffice. Evaluating the complexity of the role will aid in approximating the breadth of your interview pool.

      2. Candidate Availability

      An equally significant consideration is the availability of qualified candidates. If you are in a field or location with a limited number of qualified candidates, you may need to cast a wider net and interview more individuals. Conversely, in areas with a high concentration of professionals in your required field, you might have a larger pool of qualified applicants, allowing you to be more selective.

      Hired has a career marketplace pool of high-quality, high-intent candidates for tech and sales roles. Get a live demo and see how it changes your hiring process for the better.

      3. The Interview-to-Hire Ratio

      Another useful method to estimate the number of candidates to interview is the ‘Interview-to-Hire Ratio.’ This ratio represents the number of candidates you need to interview before making a hire. According to research, this ratio can range from 4:1 to 20:1 depending on the industry and the role complexity. Thus, the ratio can help you figure out the potential number of interviews to conduct.

      4. Quality over Quantity

      While the number of interviews you conduct is crucial, it’s equally important to stress the quality of candidates over the quantity. Interviewing too many candidates can be overwhelming and time-consuming, and may not necessarily yield better results. Moreover, it can be detrimental to your employer brand if candidates feel they are merely a number in a long line of interviews. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a balanced approach and ensure each candidate receives the attention they deserve during the interview process.

      5. The ‘Rule of Three’

      A good rule of thumb to follow is the ‘Rule of Three,’ which suggests interviewing at least three candidates for every job opening. This allows you to compare and contrast candidates effectively, ensuring a fair hiring process. However, remember that the ‘Rule of Three’ is a guideline, not a strict policy. It should be adjusted according to the role, industry, and the quality of the candidates applying.

      Too many inbound candidates, but not enough qualified ones? Learn how to manage and even prevent this recruiting challenge.

      6. Adaptability is Key

      Lastly, remember that flexibility and adaptability are essential in the hiring process. If you haven’t found the right candidate after interviewing a significant number, it might be a signal to revisit the job description, requirements, or your recruitment strategies. A successful recruitment process should be fluid and responsive to the market conditions, candidate availability, and company needs.

      Insights from Talent Leader Trent Krupp

      When asked, ‘how many candidates should you interview for a job,’ Trent says

      “Short answer: As many as it takes. Long answer: Typically you should expect to talk to 7-10 candidates, make 2 formal offers, and receive one acceptance. Having a recruiting culture that’s focused on speed and efficiency makes a massive impact on your success.

      If you’re able to go from meeting someone to presenting them with a firm offer within 7 business days, you’re going to be better than 90% of companies out there. [MAANG companies] may be able to pay higher salaries than you, but they can’t possibly compete against a 7-day end-to-end hiring cycle.

      Being slow & indecisive, creating artificial scarcity (rejecting someone because they don’t have experience with THE particular JavaScript framework that you happen to use), or trying to hire people for significantly below market rates are all enemies of success.

      In my personal opinion, the first one or two engineers you hire should probably be the most experienced you can find. They will be making critical architectural decisions likely to be incredibly complex and expensive to unravel in the future. You need to get it right, and being penny-wise and pound-foolish does not make sense.

      Finally, these guidelines are for typical individual contributor positions. VP or Director-level hires, or positions requiring very specialized knowledge will be different.”

      Let Hired Help You Cut Down on How Many Candidates You Need to Interview for a Job

      In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many candidates you should interview for a job. It’s a decision that requires a clear understanding of the role, the job market, your company’s needs, and the potential talent pool. Always remember that each interview is an investment in your company’s future, so take the time to make strategic and informed decisions. Happy hiring!

      Learn more about how Hired helps employers of all sizes find the right talent, right away! More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Want to Ace Your Technical Interview? A Guide to Prepare Software Engineers

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      Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned full stack, back-end, or front-end engineer, technical interviews may be stressful if you feel unprepared. While the most important piece of these interviews is, of course, your technical skills, we have some strategies to help you put your best foot forward. 

      After all, going in with confidence and preparation is the best way to ease those nerves and let your skills shine through. So, what is it you’re getting yourself into? 

      Technical interviews put a (fun?) spin on the typical job search process. In many ways, they let you, as an engineer, do what you do best! Take them as your opportunity to “walk the walk” instead of just “talk the talk.” 

      We’ve collaborated with our partner Educative to bring you tips to level up your technical interview game.

      What this Technical Interview Guide for Full Stack, Front-end, and Back-end Engineers Covers

      1. How to prepare for technical interviews

      Technical interviews take many forms and are known by various names. We break them down. We also give you a multi-week plan to give you plenty of time to work through examples and study up using suggested resources.  

      2. What employers look for in technical interviews 

      We review some of the major concepts and skills interviewers assess specifically for front-end developers, back-end developers, and full stack developers.

      3. Common technical interview mistakes to avoid 

      After spending time reviewing what you should do, we warn you on what to avoid. Find the top three technical interview no-nos in this chapter. 

      4. Helpful resources 

      By this time, you’re well on your way to nailing your next technical interview. Use our compilation of links to more resources to continue studying with a narrower focus.

      5. After the interview

      In this section, we coach you through this post-interview phase, including how to use it to your advantage and other best practices. 

      Ready to download your comprehensive Technical Interview Guide? Here you go! More