There are various options to consider in this type of situation.
Select the Better Candidate
One useful way to help determine the best person for the job is to create a point scoring system where points are assigned to various criteria such as the candidates’ experience, ability to do the position, fit within the office, salary, etc. The more important the criteria to you, the higher the points you assign.
Other criteria you can use to determine who to hire are:
- Which candidate has the greatest upside?
- Who is the greater risk to your company?
- Can one person better help the company make/save money or time?
- Does one candidate show more interest in the position/your company?
- Who is a better long-term fit for your organization?
- Which candidate will require more training?
- Who responded to your contact requests on a timelier basis?
- What did the references say about each candidate?
- Can you find anything online about either candidate − positive or negative − that may help you reach a decision?
- If the interview process dragged on for days or weeks, which candidate stayed the most positive?
Hire Both!
A client I knew years ago interviewed four candidates for one position and all were so good that the company hired all of them. Obviously this is an exception rather than the norm.
But perhaps you can find a way to hire both candidates by reallocating some of the existing responsibilities within your organization, creating new projects or work that would allow both to be hired. Perhaps a new position could be created if the company budget would allow for the hiring of two people.
It’s difficult at any time to find one great candidate, let alone two. Biting the bullet now could save you recruiting costs later.
Other considerations
• Don’t rush on a decision − have the candidates come back for another round of interviews if necessary. If you do take time in your process, explain why additional interviews are required.
• Notwithstanding the previous point, don’t delay too much. Quality candidates are usually in demand by other companies and have other opportunities on the go. Additional delays could turn them off your opportunity. However, the candidate that really wants your position will generally wait for your decision.
• Get a second opinion. Have others in your organization meet the candidates if you haven’t done so already and ask for their views.
Conclusion
Having two candidates and only one position to fill can sometimes result in healthy dialogue and debate within an organization. Be respectful and keep candidates in the loop regarding the status of the search. You want to ensure that you don’t lose a good quality candidate to another opportunity because the process has taken too long.
About Marc Belaiche
Marc Belaiche (pronounced “BA-LAY-SH”) is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an internet recruitment and staffing company specializing in helping companies find candidates in the Greater Toronto Area.
Marc is the author of “Tales from the Recruiter – A Canadian Recruiter’s Perspective on How To Find that Perfect Job”. Marc has been in the recruitment industry since 1995. Prior to TorontoJobs, Marc was a Recruiting Manager in the staffing industry. Prior to that, Marc worked at Prudential Insurance and KPMG in accounting and auditing roles.
Marc is a Chartered Accountant and is a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and is on the Toronto HRPA Events Committee as well as on the Board of the Halton-Peel C.A. Association. Marc has made many radio and television appearances as well as conducted many presentations on recruitment across Canada. Marc has extensive experience in on-line advertising, e-commerce and recruitment.
TorontoJobs.ca provides the following services:
Internet recruitment, including a job board and resume access service
Full recruitment services including temporary and permanent staffing
Outplacement services for companies who have downsized staff
TorontoJobs.ca is also a Profit Hot 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Canada winner.
Marc is also President of TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca, presenters of the annual Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference & Trade Show.
A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce, Marc is married with two children and lives in Mississauga.
