Having to go through thousands of resumes and hundreds of candidates on a weekly basis can become very stressful. Maybe that stress would be worth it if the process always resulted in a good hire.

However, working harder is not the same as working smarter. Many HR departments are finding that a simple hiring process is actually a better process.

Consider the following ways to streamline your hiring process without sacrificing quality.

Build a Talent Pipeline

One very effective way to simplify the hiring process is to build a pipeline of quality and qualified applicants through networking and outreach on social media. This talent reservoir will allow you to fill current and future roles faster, reducing time-to-hire.

It’s essential that this pipeline is built on genuine relationships and engagement. Given the power of social media, it’s too easy to rack up cheap, digital connections.

HR professionals find that building a robust talent pipeline also leads to higher rates of offer acceptance due to the number of preexisting relationships with qualified professionals. Furthermore, a relationship built on trust can lead to lower salary costs and faster onboarding.

Write Compelling Postings

Well-written job postings are an effective way to screen out bad-fit candidates and seriously underqualified people looking to roll the dice on your open position.

A good job posting will mention the daily activities of the job, the people the person will be collaborating with and possibly the kind of projects people in that role have previously – all in a compelling way.

More importantly, a job posting should emphasize all the personal and professional benefits associated with the position, including things like a flexible schedule, a high degree of autonomy or a laid-back corporate culture.

Finally, the job posting should written in a way that is consistent with the company brand. For instance, if your company is focused on precision and quality, the job posting should have wording that is precise and high quality.

Check References Upfront

Typically, a hiring manager will check candidates’ references in the last stages of the hiring process, possibly after the in-person interview. However, many HR professionals are finding that checking references upfront is a simpler, more effective way to screen applicants.

By checking references upfront, hiring personnel can confirm or refute initial suspicions about a candidate and avoid wasting time on someone who initially seemed like a good applicant.

Accelerate the Process

A slow hiring process can be a tremendous disadvantage to everyone involved. The employer risks missing out on great applicants, lagging productivity and ruining its reputation with job seekers. For those seeking employment, a slow process can mean longer time without income, being stuck in a bad job situation or dedicated to a process that doesn’t result in an acceptable job offer.

HR professionals should audit the pace of their process and eliminate any unnecessary bottlenecks to reduce time-to-hire.

At Action Group Staffing, we take on the hiring process from our clients so they can focus on their core revenue-generating activities. If your company is currently looking to outsource some or all of its hiring process, please contact us today.