How to choose between two great candidates

 So you’ve nailed the job ad, you’ve completed the screening process and the interviews are done- but you now have to choose between two very good candidates. While it’s not an entirely awful situation to be in, it can be a tricky one. The last thing you want to do is pick the wrong person for the role, but how can you ensure you make the right decision between the two? Here are five top tips to help you.

Carry out a reference check

It might seem obvious, but not all employers actually do their due diligence by contacting references. But if you’re trying to decide between just two candidates, it makes sense to find out a little more about not only their previous experience,  but how they worked within their team too.

Ask questions about how the candidates approached work, how they demonstrated skills and knowledge, and what their best attributes are. And don’t be afraid to ask about any potential drawbacks too- chances are, there could be something that stands out to you, helping you to make your final decision fairly quickly.

Analyse exactly what you need for the role

If you’re stuck between two perfectly good candidates who both seem ideal for the role, it could be that there are vast differences between them when it comes to your company priorities. For example, one could be a graduate ready and willing to learn quickly, with tonnes of fresh ideas and creative energy. The other could have a wealth of experience and knowledge that could benefit your company hugely. So what is it that your business needs right now?

If you need an employee that will slot right in with minimal training or with transferable experience, your decision should lie with the second candidate. But if you’re looking for someone you can nurture and develop as they gain skills and knowledge, perhaps candidate number one is the right person for the job. Being clear on what you need can really help you to make the decision on who is best suited for the position.

Analyse exactly who you need for the role

Just as it’s important to consider what you need, it’s vital to consider who you need too. Which of the candidates is more likely to fit in with your company culture? Whoever you take on needs to be able to reflect your brand values and bring positive changes to the workplace. The right person is an investment to the entire team.

Collaborate with other decision makers

Hiring the right person for the role should be a collaborative process, and especially if you just can’t decide between two candidates. Having more than one person involved in the decision making not only releases pressure on you, but can offer a wider perspective on who could be best suited for the role and why.

So open it up. Ask for input, gather ideas and opinions. Work together to involve others in the interview process, and ask each member of the team to offer independent thoughts on the candidates. As long as you’re clear about what the company requirements are, this can be a really effective way to make a good decision.

Ask the candidates to complete a task

We don’t want you to go completely off-script here, but picking a task related to the role you’re trying to fill is a great tool to use when it’s a case of one candidate over another. It’s a great way to see whether or not they’re able to carry out the task well, if they can work under pressure, and it gives you a good indication of the quality of the work they’re likely to do if they were to be given the job too.

Setting a task like this can also help the candidates to get a better idea of how your company operates, what it could be like to work for you, and whether or not they’re a good fit.

Choosing between two candidates isn’t an easy task, but these strategies should help you to refine your decision making. Get in touch today if you need help with your recruitment process- we’re always happy to share our wealth of knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect person for the position.