Tag: Hiring

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4 Simple Tips to Get More Out of Your Job Ads

In a competitive employment market, your job advertisement needs to do more than outline responsibilities and requirements. For employers, a strong, well‑considered job ad can significantly improve both the quality and relevance of the candidates who apply. At CBR Recruitment, we often see opportunities where a few small changes to a job ad can make a big difference. Below are four simple, practical tips to help you get more value from your job advertisements.

 

1. Make sure your job ad aligns with the actual role

One of the most common mistakes employers make is advertising a role that doesn’t quite reflect what the position really needs. This often happens when job ads are based on old position descriptions or copied from similar roles, rather than tailored to the current needs of the business. Before advertising, take time to consider:

  • What does this role need to deliver in the first 6 – 12 months?
  • Which technical (hard) skills are genuinely essential?
  • Which soft skills will help the person succeed in your team and culture?

Soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork are often just as important as technical capability particularly in collaborative or client‑facing roles.

 

2. Be clear and realistic about what you’re offering (including non‑cash benefits)

Salary matters, but it’s not the whole picture. Many candidates, particularly high‑quality and experienced professionals, look beyond salary when deciding whether to apply. Including non‑cash benefits in your job ad can significantly increase interest and help your role stand out.

Examples of non‑cash benefits to highlight include:

  • Flexible or hybrid working arrangements
  • Professional development and training support
  • Additional leave or purchased leave options
  • Health, wellbeing, or EAP programs
  • Career progression pathways and mentorship
  • Supportive team culture or leadership style

These benefits don’t need to be over‑sold; they just need to be clearly mentioned. Often, employers already offer great conditions but forget to include them in the ad.

 

2. Make the application process simple and clear

Good candidates are often time‑poor. If an application process feels unclear or overly complicated, they’re far less likely to follow through. A simple and effective approach is to clearly request a current CV and a one-page cover letter specifically written against the role requirements. This gives candidates enough space to explain their suitability and motivation without being overly burdensome. From an employer’s perspective, it also makes it easier to assess communication skills, alignment with the role, and genuine interest. Make sure your job ad clearly outlines:

  • What documents are required
  • Where and how to submit the application
  • Any key dates or timelines

 

4. Provide a clear point of contact

This step is often overlooked, but it can have a big impact. Many of the best candidates like to speak to someone briefly before applying. They may want clarity on expectations, team structure, or whether the role truly fits their experience. If no contact details are provided, those candidates may simply opt out. Including a named point of contact and phone number:

  • Encourages high‑quality candidates to engage
  • Helps answer questions early in the process
  • Demonstrates openness and transparency

These conversations are usually valuable and often help pre‑qualify candidates before an application is even submitted.

 

In summary

Your job ad is often a candidate’s first interaction with your business. Making sure it reflects the real role, clearly communicates benefits, offers a simple application process, and includes a point of contact can dramatically improve hiring outcomes. If you’d like support refining your job advertisements or in assisting with managing your next recruitment process, the team at CBR Recruitment is always happy to help. For more information about our recruitment services, email: hello@cbrrecuritment.com.au or call: 02 6103 7000.

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Candidate

The Role of a Scribe in Public Sector Recruitment

When most people think about public sector recruitment, they picture interviews, resumes, and reference reports. But behind the scenes, there’s a role that ensures fairness and accuracy throughout the process. Often overlooked, scribing is a critical function that demands skill, good judgment, and professionalism.

To give you an insider’s perspective, we spoke with Anne Burnett, one of our scribes at CBR Recruitment since 2023. Here’s what she shared.

 

What Does a Scribe Do?

A scribe documents the discussion during interviews, ensuring decisions are recorded clearly and fairly. This involves summarising key points, interpreting feedback, and linking responses to selection criteria or to frameworks such as the Integrated Leadership System (ILS).

Anne explains that “it’s definitely not just transcribing. You have to listen, understand and put the information together.”

 

Skills of a Good Scribe

Anne highlights three essential skills:

  1. Strong Writing Skills

“Writing skills are the most important thing.” The ability to interpret information and provide meaningful feedback is vital, as is the ability to write concisely.

  1. People Skills

“You need to make people feel comfortable and relate to them.” Building positive relationships with panel members can completely change the dynamic.

  1. Active Listening

“Not just hearing, but really understanding what’s being said… and what’s implied.”

Confidence matters too. Anne notes that scribes sometimes need to gently guide panels back on track without overstepping.

 

Why Choose Scribing

Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages. Anne explains, “I love being able to work when I want. I don’t have to stick to nine-to-five. And the work is interesting… I’ve learned so much about different roles in the APS.”

She can also own her work. “My product in the end is my product, and I want it to be good.”

 

Scribing is far more than note-taking. It’s about ensuring transparency, fairness, and clarity in recruitment decisions. For those with strong writing skills, a keen ear, and the ability to work well with people, scribing offers flexibility and a unique window into the public sector.

If you’re a job seeker looking for a diverse role where you can combine your writing people skills, scribing might be the perfect fit. Contact us to connect and begin your journey to becoming a scribe with CBR Recruitment.

 

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Candidate

How a Cover Letter Should Compliment Your CV

Cover letter should compliment your CV

When it comes to applying for a job, your CV is undoubtedly your most powerful tool a concise summary of your experience, qualifications, and skills. But what about the cover letter? Too often overlooked or hastily written, a well crafted cover letter is your opportunity to add depth to your application and create a compelling narrative. At CBR Recruitment, we believe that the best applications are those where the CV and cover letter work in tandem each playing a distinct but complementary role. Here’s how you can make sure your cover letter enhances your CV rather than repeating it.

1.Tell the Story Behind the CV
Your CV is all about facts — dates, titles, qualifications, and achievements. The cover letter gives you the space to explain why those facts matter. Use it to tell the story behind your career journey, your motivations, and why you’re interested in the role. Think of it as the narrative that links the dots on your CV. If your CV shows a career change or a gap in employment, your cover letter is the place to provide context.

2. Address the Selection Criteria or Role Requirements
One of the most effective ways to tailor your cover letter is to write directly to the selection criteria or key position requirements listed in the job ad. This shows the hiring manager that you understand exactly what the role demands — and that you’ve taken the time to demonstrate how you meet those needs. Candidates who clearly align their cover letters to the selection criteria stand out early in the selection process. It shows professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic thinking.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience
Rather than listing all your experiences again, focus your cover letter on the most relevant aspects of your background for the role at hand. Show the hiring manager you understand what the job requires and explain how your experience makes you a great fit.

4. Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm
A CV is rarely the place for emotion or personal tone — but a cover letter is your chance to express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Show that you’ve done your research, understand their mission or values, and explain what draws you to the opportunity.

5. Showcase Soft Skills and Personality
Some of your best assets might not fit neatly into a CV. Your communication style, adaptability, leadership qualities, or collaborative mindset can come through more clearly in a letter. Use it to inject some personality and give the employer a sense of who you are beyond the bullet points.

6. Create a Strong First Impression
In many cases, your cover letter is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will read. A well-written, tailored cover letter shows professionalism, attention to detail, and effort — all qualities employers value highly. It also provides evidence of your writing skills.

In Summary: Your CV and Cover Letter Are a Team
Think of your cover letter as the voice of your CV — it gives your qualifications meaning, highlights your most relevant experiences, and shows why you’re a standout candidate. When they work together, they make a far more persuasive case than either can alone.

If you’re looking for expert advice on crafting your next application — or seeking your next opportunity — get in touch with CBR Recruitment on 02 6103 7000 or by emailing hello@CBRrecuitment.com.au. We’re here to help you stand out from the crowd!

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Candidate

Charting Your Career Path: A Step-by-Step Guide

Charting Your Career Path: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating your career can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach can help you make informed decisions and set a clear path for growth. By identifying your values, assessing your skills, and setting targeted goals, you can build a career that aligns with your aspirations. Here’s how to get started.

1. Define Your Core Values

Understanding what truly drives you is essential to making career choices that lead to satisfaction and success. Reflect on these key questions:

  • What activities energize and motivate me?
  • What qualities and priorities shape my ideal lifestyle?
  • What are my non-negotiables in a job?

By answering these, you can determine whether you’re on the right path or if it’s time for a change.

2. Assess Your Skills and Experience

Beyond personal preferences, your skill set plays a crucial role in determining viable career options. Take stock of your abilities by considering:

  • Your qualifications and relevant experience
  • Strengths and transferable skills
  • Major career achievements
  • Areas that need improvement or further development

A clear understanding of your skills will help you identify opportunities where you can excel and areas where further training might be beneficial.

3. Establish Your Career Direction

With your values and skills in mind, start exploring industries and roles that align with your interests. Consider:

  • The types of organisations or sectors that appeal to you
  • Positions that excite and challenge you
  • How these choices align with your personal goals
  • Any gaps in skills that may need to be addressed

 

4. Seek Constructive Feedback

We don’t always see our strengths and weaknesses clearly, so gathering input from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors is invaluable. Ask questions such as:

  • What behaviours should I refine to advance my career?
  • If you were in my position, what would you focus on improving?
  • What abilities are essential for transitioning to my desired role or industry?

Their insights can uncover new opportunities and highlight areas for growth that you may have overlooked.

By taking charge of your career path, you position yourself for meaningful growth and long-term success. Every step you take should bring you closer to a fulfilling career where you thrive and make a lasting impact. If you’re looking for one-on-one career or development advice, please contact us at hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au or call 02 6103 7000.

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Candidate

5 Benefits of Working as a Contractor: Why More Professionals are Embracing Contract Roles

5 Benefits of Working as a Contractor

In today’s evolving job market, working as a contractor has become a highly appealing option for professionals across industries. Whether you’re seeking more control over your schedule or looking to expand your skill set, contract work offers numerous benefits. From higher pay to flexibility, many are finding that short-term projects can provide the career advantages they’ve been searching for. Contracting might be the perfect fit for you for a range of reasons:

1. Higher Pay

One of the most attractive aspects of working as a contractor is the potential for higher pay. Contractors are often compensated at a higher hourly or daily rate compared to permanent employees. This is because contractors typically don’t receive the same benefits permanent staff do, such as annual leave, personal leave and public holiday pay. In addition, many contractors can negotiate their rates based on their expertise and the complexity of the work. If you bring unique value to the table, contracting can be a financially rewarding option that enables you to maximize your earning potential.

2. Diverse Experience

Contracting allows professionals to work on a wide range of projects, often in different departments or with varied responsibilities. This diversity of experience can be a major career booster, as you’re constantly exposed to new challenges, technologies, and workflows. Not only does this keep your work life interesting, but it also helps you build a robust portfolio and enhances your adaptability. Over time, contracting can make you a versatile expert, which can also position you for consulting roles or even leadership positions, as you develop a broad understanding of different sectors.

3. Flexibility

For many, the flexibility of contract work is one of its greatest attractions. As a contractor, you have more control over your schedule, and you can often choose when and where you work, allowing you to achieve a better work-life balance. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to travel, pursue personal projects, or simply enjoy a non-traditional career path. If you enjoy the freedom of taking time off between assignments or working remotely, contract work is perfectly suited to this lifestyle.

4. Networking Opportunities

Each new contract introduces you to different teams, and departments. As a contractor, you’re constantly building a professional network, and these relationships can be incredibly valuable, leading to future projects, partnerships, or full-time job offers. Contractors who consistently deliver quality results can quickly develop a reputation as go-to experts, further enhancing their career prospects.

5. Quicker Recruitment Processes

In many cases, the hiring process for contract roles is a lot faster and less structured than for permanent positions. This means contractors can often start a new role within days or weeks, as opposed to going through lengthy interview processes typically associated with permanent or ongoing roles.

If you are interested in learning more about a contract roles available through CBR Recruitment, please contact us on 02 6103 7000 or email hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au.

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How to Effectively Manage Temporary Staff

Effectively Manage Temporary Staff

Using the services of temporary staff can be hugely beneficial to a wide range of organizations, and can be useful for either filling a “resource gap” created by a permanent staff member being on unplanned or long-term leave; or as a way of bringing specialist skills or experience into your organization for a finite period of time. It can also be a really good way of trialling a candidate in a particular role before offering them a permanent employment opportunity. Effectively onboarding and managing temporary staff is crucial to ensure they seamlessly integrate with your team and contribute to your organizational objectives. There are several key practical differences in how you would manage a temporary staff member:

Revise your onboarding process

If you already have a clear onboarding process, consider condensing it to accurately convey the essential information about your company culture, goals, and tasks. This approach will help your temporary staff member to understand the procedures they need to follow, office protocols and so on. The most important aspect is to undertake a WHS induction with the temporary staff member to ensure they are working within a safe working environment. While the recruitment agency is technically the employer of the temporary staff member and has the ultimate responsibility for any injuries that occur in the workplace, the host employer also has an obligation to provide a safe workplace and support the management of this risk.

Provide clear guidelines

Getting temporary employees up and running quickly is always most effective if the guidelines and expectations are clear, and this comes down to open communication. Providing them with a detailed understanding of their role and tasks ensures they can deliver outcomes and have a positive impact within a short period of time. Working with a skilled Recruitment Consultant is also very beneficial as they will identify a high calibre candidate who meets the job brief; often they will also be able to communicate the expectations and deliverables before the temporary staff member commences and throughout the duration of the contract.

Be transparent

It’s important to be transparent about the temporary nature of their employment and the potential for permanent opportunities. Clearly outline their role trajectory to manage expectations effectively. Whether they have aspirations for permanent positions or prefer to work on a contract basis, clarity around their role progression, or the extension or early cessation of their contract is essential. This is usually done either directly by, or with the support of, your Recruitment Consultant.

 

CBR Recruitment has a pool of high-calibre temporary staff who are interviewed, reference checked and vetted, who can commence in temporary positions at short notice. We look after all of their employment obligations and work in partnership with you to ensure the engagement is successful and you have the utmost flexibility. If you’re thinking about taking on temporary staff, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 6103 7000 or email hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au.

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Shortlisting for Success – 3 Insider Tips!

Shortlisting for Success

Choosing candidates to interview can be a challenge, particularly when you have a popular role on offer and an abundance of applicants. There are a range of tips and tricks that can help you better understand your candidates and how they would suit your organisation. From decoding CVs to discerning hidden talents, there are some key strategies that can help you shortlist a position successfully.

 

Understand their values and interests

One of the most important things to understand when you’re shortlisting candidates for your team is how to look for cultural fit. If you read a CV holistically you can usually gain a good understanding of a candidate’s hobbies and interests, how career driven they are, whether they have taken time away from work to travel overseas and so on. It’s also important to remember that a job application and CV will only tell you so much, so we can’t under-emphasize the value in making that initial phone call to candidate to talk about their background, skills, experience and career goals, and also gaining an understanding if they have a genuine interest in the specific role they have applied for.

Know the red flags

There are a range of things to look out for when assessing your candidates and looking over their CVs and applications. It’s important to be discerning when reading resumes, taking note of any missing information or gaps. Significant gaps in employment are a reason for concern, and raises the question of how the candidate could afford to live over that period. Understanding why they left their last job or why they want to leave their current job is also important as this can show you how well they work in a team, or how they don’t. Job hopping without legitimate reasons can suggest a lack of commitment, or a lack of specific career goals.

Understand their work experience and job roles

Usually when reviewing job applications and CVs we are on the lookout for career progression over time. This doesn’t necessarily mean changing jobs or organisations, however it is a good sign if a candidate is taking on additional responsibilities, putting their hand up for promotions, or acting in leadership opportunities when managers are away. This shows that the candidate has natural leadership ability, and is most likely a high performer, rather than someone who plods along in their role.

 

In summary, shortlisting takes a good eye, sound judgement, and plenty of practice. By incorporating the strategies we have outlined here, you can not only identify the best-suited candidates for your vacancy; you can build a highly skilled team that aligns with your values and can drive your organization forward.

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Candidate

Five Tips for Promotion in the APS

Five Tips for Promotion in the APS

Winning a promotion in the Australian Public Service can be a challenge, particularly as you move into more senior positions where there is more competition. It can be particularly difficult as you transition into executive level positions and your focus changes from being a subject matter expert to a leader. While there is no exact route that promises you will achieve what you’re looking for, if you put the time and effort into the right areas, your chances of success will significantly improve. Here are five key tips that will help you get there faster.

Build Relationships and Engage with Others

Communication is one of the most important things to focus on when you’re trying to move into a more senior role, particularly as your responsibilities will start to focus more on leading people and influencing internal and external stakeholders. One of the people you’ll want to be talking to is your direct manager, letting them know what you’re looking for and asking for any opportunities they could offer to you. You need to work toward convincing your manager that you are capable of taking on those extra responsibilities and that you have the skills and mindset to work through the more complex challenges. Similarly, having a preference for working alone can have a negative impact on your chances if you can’t engage with others at the same time. Leaders need to be approachable and to act as the strategic connection between the team and upper management, so it is crucial to be able to communicate effectively both upwards and downwards, no matter where you are in your career.

Upskill Yourself

Building up your skills and education can provide you with strong foundations and convey that you are willing to put in the extra work to benefit your team and career. It is important that you show you want to learn more and are interested in your work and industry. Having that ability to learn more will convey how you can better your team and workplace. As you learn more about your role, you will begin to master it. Doing some leadership-related study also looks great on your CV, shows you’re ambitious, and can help you work with others more effectively.

Take on Opportunities

You might be seeing openings appearing within your team to lead or manage projects. Taking the initiative to grasp the opportunities in front of you can give you the boost of experience you need to convince your manager that you can do something bigger. At the same time, you can start to keep evidence of your achievements, working to understand your mistakes and reflect on them to inform your actions later on. Working in a taskforce, or having some acting experience looks great on your CV and will give you some excellent examples you can draw upon in your application or during your interview. It’s a great way to be able to demonstrate your competence at a particular level.

Start Working Strategically

Those who are looking to become successful managers have to understand how to identify trends that could have an impact on their team and be able to plan how to move past them. You need to understand the goals of your organization, division or section and to be able to convey these to others. Leaders are often very skilled at translating the strategic vision to the practical objectives of the team and are also usually very good at “horizon scanning” for potential issues which could impact the organization, division or section in the future.

Never Assume

Most importantly, when you are applying for, and interviewing for a promotion, one of the traps is to assume that the people interviewing you have an understanding of you or your work. During an interview, be sure not to rely on any assumed knowledge, give full and well-rounded examples and if you are applying for a promotion be sure to provide examples with the right level of complexity to demonstrate your competence at that level. Remember, your interview is your time to shine so be sure to put your best foot forward.

 

Winning a promotion can be a long and complicated process, often with the occasional setback, but if you utilize these tips you are certainly well on your way!

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Three reasons why getting a temp makes good sense…

Three reasons why getting a temp makes good sense

There are a range of benefits to engaging temporary staff, who can be a huge asset to your organisation to increase capacity through periods of staff leave, or as a way of bringing in additional expertise to support growth or special projects. Gone are the days when temps were engaged to “fill a seat” – they can bring a raft of valuable skills and experience to your team without the ongoing employment obligations.

Flexibility

Temporary staff offer a flexible approach to challenging situations. This can include things such as staff leave, long recruitment processes and resourcing crunches. In the current employment market sometimes, it can take a long time to find the perfect candidate to fill your vacancies, and engaging someone temporarily during that time can help you and your team manage the workload. Temporary staff are there to start instantly and won’t need the time to adjust and work their way into the team that someone permanent would. As there are no ongoing employment obligations it’s also a good opportunity for you to “try before you buy”. If they prove to be a valuable asset to your team, you can always extend them or employ them permanently.

Skills

There are often times when you get a new project that needs a very specific skillset, and engaging someone temporarily or on a contract can offer you the ability to find those skills and deliver your project. At the same time, having someone specialized on your team can offer a fresh perspective and new ideas. This can give you the opportunity for change and improvement for the future.

Capacity

Similarly, large projects or transformations in your business might need a larger team to meet the deadline or objective. Temp staff offer you a quick solution to scale up your workforce. Having more staff for these high-pressure moments can help your team evade burnout and stress, boosting morale and ultimately giving you a better end product.

 

In any workplace, adaptability and agility are key to success. Temporary staff offer a multitude of benefits that can significantly impact your team’s performance and overall outcomes. Our Consultants understand the importance of finding the right temporary staff to meet your evolving needs. All of our temporary staff are extensively vetted, and on top of that we look after all of their employment obligations, giving you peace of mind and complete flexibility. For more information on our temporary recruitment services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 6103 7000 or email hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au.

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Mastering the Art of Interviewing: How to Win Over High-Calibre Candidates

Mastering the Art of Interviewing

Finding the perfect candidates for your interviews is just the beginning. With competitive talent becoming scarcer and candidates getting pickier, it’s time we all learn to improve our interview style. Today, interviews are more about convincing the perfect candidate you’re the right choice than it is the candidate convincing you to hire them. You’re going to have to work harder, and smarter, to catch that talent. Here’s how you convince them to stay.

How to prepare

The interview is crucial in both your understanding of the candidate and their understanding of the workplace. Chances are, they know more about you than you know about them. A good way to prepare, both for yourself and your candidate, is to look at it from their point of view. Think about the last time you went through an interview. Assess what you found useful or nerve-wracking and use your own experiences to make the process as comfortable and balanced as possible.

Create Comfort

Interviews are always stressful, and sometimes this can cost you a candidate. Minimising this to the best of your ability is important to ensure they see you positively, and you don’t scare them away. Try to provide as much information as possible, what to wear, where to go, and what you’ll be talking about are all great things to let your candidate know.

Pick the Perfect Location

Location is always important. Just like meeting someone new, the first impression can make or break you. Anywhere too noisy might distract from the importance of the conversation, but performing the interview at the office might distance you socially or make the candidate nervous. Choosing an environment where you’re both comfortable to express what you’re looking for and need from each other could be pivotal to the answer you get after putting out an offer.

Write Your Best Questions

The questions you ask your candidate will form the foundation of your professional relationship. If you want to start off friendly, try beginning with a casual conversation. Something deeper than the weather, but nothing so personal as family. When it comes to the questions themselves, while asking for their greatest weakness might seem like a time-saver, what does it actually tell you? Most likely, such a direct question will get you a rehearsed answer. What you’re going for is authenticity. Ask about their work life, what they enjoy about their current job, or what they think about your company.

 

In the Interview

Think about the perfect ‘fit’

Making sure your team fits together like a puzzle is important in creating a strong workplace culture. Consider whether they will get along, or if you could grow together. Think about their future potential, who they could be in a years’ time. Remember, the person you meet at interview might change when you get to know them. Ask them questions you think will show what their values are and see if yours align.

 

Let them ask you questions:

Have a bit of back and forth with them. If you make the interview feel like a conversation, you’re more likely to get a well-rounded view of the candidate, and they will better understand you and the workplace culture you’re a part of. In addition, the questions they ask will often tell you about their thought processes. Or, how interested they really are. Letting your candidates interview you helps them to better understand your company, and it demonstrates that you value their opinions and concerns.

Sell the role

The interview is as much for you as it is for them. If you like the candidate, spend a bit of time highlighting the role and workplace. They’re not likely to say yes to an offer if you don’t let them know what a great opportunity it is. Chances are, there are other options and employers who are looking for candidates just like you are. So, feel free to really sell it.

 

Maintaining a strong and convincing interview process can be challenging and time consuming. If you find you don’t have the time or ability to find the high calibre candidates you need, we can take all the hassle out of it for you. Our recruitment services are all-encompassing and personalised to your needs to help you attract the best talent in the market.

 

Times are changing, and so are your candidates. If you don’t meet them where they are, chances are you’ll be losing out on high quality talent. It’s important to emphasise how important your staff are in your workplace through how you coordinate your interviews, how comfortable your candidates feel, and how well they understand your values. Using these tips in your interview might just help you in securing your dream team. So, be bold, be friendly, and win over that candidate!