Recruiting: 5 Reasons To Let Employees Weigh In

I’m a self-proclaimed HGTV junkie and love watching people hunting for houses. However, when I was in house-search mode myself several years ago, it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable. Now that I’m comfortable in my own house, I enjoy going along for the ride while look for a new home.

We all want to weigh in, deciding which is the best house, and then we’re shocked when they choose the obviously inferior house or celebrate when they choose the one we would have picked. That’s the thing about hiring. When we know our team is hiring a new member, we like to have a say. But it’s not only good for employees to weigh in, it actually helps managers make great hiring decisions.

Here are 5 reasons why managers should involve employees in the hiring process:

1. Your team knows good people. If your people love working at your company, they will naturally suggest their friends and family who are a good fit work there. Especially those who are skilled and easy to work with. Make it easy for them to refer people who will make great coworkers—whether that’s providing an official program or just considering employee’s suggestions.

2. More minds give you a more complete picture. Some of the best interviews include a team interacting with an applicant. Because they know the different ways the potential employee will be working with them, they’ll be able to provide additional insight and ask thoughtful questions.

3. Different experiences can give a more comprehensive opinion. Employees all have different backgrounds. They may be able to bring scenarios into the conversation (interview) with an applicant that others with different experiences may not have thought of. In addition, employees bring a casual vibe into the interview and really make it feel more like a conversation than an interview.

4. The employees in the trenches want someone they’ll enjoy working with. Sometimes that’s difficult for a manager to predict. The best way to find out how a potential employee will work out is to introduce her to the team and let them interact. Then listen when they give their input or use an ATS that allows everyone to collaborate.

5. Your current team will feel you value their opinion. One of the best ways to get loyal, productive employees is to value and trust their thoughts and ideas. When you consider their opinion, it reinforces that you care and encourages them to give their thoughts in the future.

Whoever you decide on when hiring a new employee, one thing is certain: Even one new person will change the dynamic of your team. Every single new addition does. It’s just how it is. That’s why hiring for fit (in addition to skills) is important. Employees do care who you choose because it affects the way they work.

It’s fun to watch that house-hunting show because when all is said and done, you don’t have to live in that house after the buyers choose. You don’t have to live with that popcorn ceiling or that crack in the foundation. You simply turn off the TV and it’s done. That new hire is here to stay—hopefully, for years to come!