M
ost businesses have a job application template that is used time and time again to gather information on applicants as part of the hiring process. The standard job application template includes generic questions so it can be used to hire for all positions from customer service representatives to janitorial staff. The question is how relevant are the types of general questions to the role being hired?
One of the most frustrating things to job applicants is answering endless questions that don’t seem to apply to their given position. For instance, on your current template you might ask applicants to provide a words-per-minute typing speed, and if they can lift up to 40 pounds. The first is relevant to a data-entry position, where the second is relevant to a shipping position. These types of questions can cause confusion, and might cause a qualified applicant to not complete an application. So, what can you do to ensure your job application template is relevant? Create job applications by role.
3 Reasons to Create Job Application Templates by Role
1. Quality of Applicants
Creating a job application template for the role you are hiring will aid in the recruiting process tremendously, as you can ask relevant questions and information of each applicant. By creating relevant questions, applicants will feel confidence in their abilities to perform the roles of the position and will increase the quality of your applicants.
2. Efficiency
When positions need to be filled quickly, most companies use their standard, generic job application template for all applicants, regardless of role. This can actually lead to inefficiencies, as more applications will be received for recruiting staff to sort through. However, if role specific job application templates are developed in advance, applications can be gathered faster by providing the right application to applicants, which will lead to greater efficiency of screening candidates, and a faster, better hire.
3. Reduce Turnover
As part of our post last week, we mentioned that behavioral interview questions are key in hiring happy, engaged employees – which ultimately reduces turnover. By including behavioral interview questions customized for your job application template for each job, you will greatly increase your chances of finding the right fit candidate for the position, and ultimately reducing turnover.
Creating job application templates by role, companies will see an overall increase in the quality of applicants, greater efficiency during the screening and hiring process, as well as reduced turnover costs, as these steps will aid in hiring the right fit candidate for the position time and time again.
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Topics: Talent Selection Ideas