Hiring the right talent doesn’t have to be an impossible quest. Leading companies like Unilever and American Express and many smaller businesses are rethinking how they hire. The key? Shifting from rigid job descriptions to a more flexible, needs-based approach through work design strategies.
Why Traditional Role-Based Hiring Can Slow You Down
Picture this: you’re looking for someone with deep technical expertise and top tier communication skills. While that combination sounds ideal, it may severely limit your applicant pool and extend your hiring timeline.
Instead of waiting for a “unicorn” candidate to appear, forward-thinking employers are breaking down job roles into individual tasks or responsibilities. This allows them to build teams around skills and strengths, not titles, opening the door to a more diverse and qualified group of applicants.
Focus on What You Need, Not Just a Job Title
By identifying what work actually needs to be done, employers can assign tasks more strategically. Maybe one team member handles customer-facing communications while another focuses on technical execution. This kind of flexibility boosts productivity and can accelerate your hiring process.
Don’t Overlook Employment Screening Adjustments
When you rethink roles, it’s equally important to rethink your employment screening practices. Screening should match the actual duties of a position, not just the job title. Here are a few examples:
- Temporary Role Changes: If a current employee fills in for a transportation-related task, you’ll need to run a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, even if they’ve passed other screenings before.
- Working with Vulnerable Populations: Positions involving children, the elderly, or medically sensitive individuals require more comprehensive background checks to ensure safety.
- Safety-Sensitive Positions: If an employee is moving into a role that affects workplace safety, routine drug screening may be necessary, even if they’ve been with the company for years.
Aligning background checks with actual job duties helps you meet regulatory requirements, manage risk, and protect your organization.
Need Help with Background Checks or Compliance?
Whether you’re hiring new talent or updating your screening processes, the Swailes Background Check team is here to help. From criminal background checks and FCRA compliance to drug testing, employment and education verifications, MVR reports, credit history reviews, and Social Security number validation, we provide fast enrollment and expert support every step of the way.
Contact us today to streamline your screening process with confidence.