Why Employer are Trying to Reduce Hiring Risk
Consider the steps an employer takes to hire a new employee, including writing a solid job description, combing through resumes (or using AI to do it), carefully selecting interview candidates, and calling references. All of these steps are essentially risk mitigation. Employers want to lower their risk when hiring employees because it saves them valuable time and money. Uncertainty in the job market makes employers even more cautious. If you’re looking for a new job, you’ll want to help employers feel you’re a solid candidate that poses no risk to them when hiring you. Here are a few ways to give them that confidence.
Communication. The ability to get your point across in a useful manner is at the heart of good communication. Fortunately, you can demonstrate your strength in this department from the beginning through your resume, cover letter, emails, phone calls, etc. One thing you want to demonstrate is the ability to give clear answers. Sometimes less is more. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to have stories ready to go that sell your strengths and experience. Also, listening is just as important as talking when communicating, so work on actively listening—repeating back what you heard and answering the precise question you’re asked.
Judgment. Discernment and good decision making are key to making a good employee. Good judgment also covers a lot of ground. To an employer, it means you’ll know how to treat clients and other co-workers well, and that you’ll keep your cool in tough situations. And that you’ll likely stay put and work through challenges with management. Companies want to know you won’t be a flight risk before hiring you. If you have a long history with a single company, even if it’s in an unrelated industry, this is important to share with your hiring managers during an interview.
Professionalism. The way you show yourself to the world reflects on the company you’re working for, so this means they’ll look for a general level of professionalism. Do you follow up on correspondence quickly? Do you care to use good grammar? Can you look people in the eye and shake their hands? Is your dress appropriate for the occasion? Presenting yourself in a professional manner means you aren’t casual with everyone and that you know how to give an extra level of respect to those you work with.
Whatever qualities an employer needs in a new employee, all of them are hoping to reduce hiring risk. If you want to stand out among the competition, lowering their overall risk by hiring you is one way to do it. Using your online presence is another way to let an employer know more about you in order to feel safe hiring you. So, use your LinkedIn presence, create and share content that shows what you’re about, and keep in touch with those who can vouch for your hard work. Use all the tools you can to prove you are low risk.
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