Mastering Intake Meetings with Hiring Managers
In my experience, an intake meeting with hiring managers is the key to every successful recruitment. These crucial conversations serve as the foundation to build a strong hiring strategy. In this blog post, I discuss 3 ways to improve your intake meetings with a strategic approach that emphasizes communication, insightful inquiry, and a departure from the checklist recruiting narrative to foster productive partnerships that lead to exceptional hires.
So, let's JUMP into the world of 'Mastering Intake Meetings with Hiring Managers.’
1. Clarity and Transparency are Key
When meeting with hiring managers, it is vital to be clear, concise, and transparent about the recruitment process. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 75% of hiring managers find clarity in the recruitment process to be crucial for a successful hire. Hiring Managers often come with various expectations shaped by their prior experiences with different agencies or their own in-house hiring processes. To set the right expectations, provide specific timelines for check-ins, updates, and the process of introducing potential candidates. Being transparent about how you will support them throughout the process helps ensure a smoother journey for everyone involved.
Jimmy’s Tip:
Start the conversation by clearly outlining the recruitment process and emphasizing key milestones and timelines. This not only sets expectations but also demonstrates your commitment to transparency and collaboration.
2. Ask Contrasting Questions for Insight
Intake meetings are an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the role's unique requirements. Instead of sticking to basic questions, encourage a more insightful approach. For instance, rather than asking for a list of minimum requirements, consider asking questions like, "What qualities define a candidate as” collaborative,” and how do they stand out from those who are “less collaborative?" These types of questions create context and often lead to valuable insights that can guide your recruitment strategy to utilizing a more skills/qualities-based approach.
Jimmy’s Contrasting Intake Meeting Questions:
Traditional Question: What are the minimum qualifications for this role?
Contrasting Question: Can you describe the qualities or experiences that set apart exceptional candidates in this role?
Traditional Question: What technical skills are required?
Contrasting Question: Beyond technical skills, what soft skills or attributes do high-performing employees in this role typically possess?
Traditional Question: How many years of experience are you looking for in a candidate?
Contrasting Question: Instead of focusing on years of experience, can you share examples of projects or achievements that would demonstrate a candidate's readiness to excel in this role?
These contrasting questions not only provide a deeper understanding of the role but also encourage hiring managers to think critically about the qualities, attributes, and skills that truly matter for success in the position.
Jimmy’s Tip:
Send your intake questions to the Hiring Manager before your intake meeting to allow them time to thoughtfully prepare and reflect on expectations.
3. Avoid the Grocery List Approach
In many cases, Hiring Managers might present their requirements as a checklist, like a grocery shopping list. According to a Harvard Business Review study, 63% of Hiring Managers agree that standard job descriptions are often too prescriptive. To shift the conversation towards a more consultative and value-driven approach, start by summarizing what you already know from the job description. This not only reaffirms your understanding but can also reveal additional information. For example, you could say, "The ideal candidate is expected to present to the executive leadership team, have coding skills, and lead a team. What other qualities or skills are you looking for?" This shift from a transactional meeting to a consultative discussion adds value and enhances the hiring process.
Jimmy’s Tip:
Remember, the goal is to uncover valuable information that might not be evident in a standard job description, enhancing the quality of your candidate search and strengthening your partnership with the hiring manager.
Closing Thoughts
Mastering intake meetings with hiring managers is your path to recruitment success. In this blog, we have explored three essential strategies: clarity and transparency, insightful questions, and moving beyond checklists. By implementing these tactics, you can create lasting partnerships that lead to exceptional hires. Let's embark on this journey together and revolutionize your approach to intake meetings, elevating your entire recruitment process. Please contact me if you want to discuss intake meetings further.