Many businesses are finding it hard to recruit the talent that they need. In this guest post Katrina Collier of recruitment transformation consultancy Winning Impression, looks at one part of the talent acquisition process that is often overlooked but could be key in making sure you get the right person…

“Anyone who has heard me speak knows that I believe that to truly succeed in hiring top talent you need to look at your Candidate Attraction & Experience, from source to application right through to offer, and ensure it feels welcoming & passionate.

This is no easy task for recruiters. You need to step back, look objectively at the whole process and get a feel for where things could be falling down. There’s no point spending lots of energy creating a great buzz on social media if job seekers are turned off by the reality.

It’s easy enough to resolve a technical issue with your application process if it’s say, a glitch in the ATS, but what if it’s something more subjective like body language. This could lead to some awkward conversations with colleagues.

Though I appreciate as an interviewer it can be a challenge to stay focused and engaged when a candidate is unsuitable, how do you ensure that your body language isn’t putting off the applicants you do like?

Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

• Sit up straight, I don’t mean rigid, simply appear interested. Slouching can send the wrong message even if it is comfortable.
• Avoid encroaching on their space, as this will feel intimidating to a potentially already nervous applicant. Are you standing or sitting too closely, did the applicant move back at all? Have they put something between you like their bag or coffee cup?
• Remember to smile; you’ll learn more about your candidate, as they’ll feel at ease.
• Watch your tone of voice; does it sound welcoming and enthusiastic or harsh and bored? Continue reading “Is Your Body Language Putting Off the Best Talent?” »