In some ways, a successful hiring strategy and a successful approach to romance are similar. In both cases, the search takes patience. Both searches require a willingness to be true to your own needs while respecting those of others. And in both cases, signing on the dotted line doesn’t mean the adventure and hard work are now over. It means they’re just beginning, and from this point forward, a rewarding relationship will require more effort and attention, not less. But before you make it to that all-important milestone, you’ll need to find your candidate “soulmate” in a crowded field of potential suitors. Here are a few moves that can help you move forward, both in business management and in the dating sphere.

1. Start by emphasizing your winning features. This means create a job posting that’s targeted to a specific audience and designed to offer members of that audience what they’re looking for. If you have an ideal candidate in mind, think about what this candidate wants before you even type a word of your post. Is he local? Does she have an advanced degree? How much does money matter to her? Is he ambitious? Does she have a sense of humor?

2. Be accurate and honest when it comes to self-portrayal. This process starts in the job posting and carries over into the interview. If you bend the truth in order to present what you think a candidate wants to hear, you’ll only confuse yourself and mislead her. It benefits nobody to describe your workplace as “fun” or “innovative” when the opposite is actually true. Be clear and upfront about what it’s like to work here, and be as honest as possible when describing the daily responsibilities of the job.

3. Make sure your vision of the future and the candidate’s vision of the future are aligned. If she sees herself in a position two rungs above this one five years down the road, do you have the ability to accommodate her growth? If so, great. If not, prepare to lose her as soon as she starts searching for opportunities you can’t offer.

4. Most important of all, treat candidates with respect. A respectful relationship is mutual, and it starts from the first moment of contact. If you send your candidates through multiple hoops during the initial application process, subject them to more than two rounds of interviews, ask demeaning questions, or expect them to grovel for a job, you’ll drive away the most talented candidates who have other options. Only the desperate will stick around and clear a space in their personal schedule for interview number seven. 

The search for love and the search for talented hires can both lead down a winding and rocky road. But the reward can be worth the patience, the risk, and the occasional disappointment that can happen along the way. Stay focused on the goal and reach out to the Texas staffing pros at Expert for guidance and support.