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Writer's pictureBrittney Simpson

What Successful Collaborations Have Occurred With Department Managers to Understand Hiring Needs?


From the strategic insights of an HR Director on implementing job-shadowing programs to the innovative suggestion of introducing collaborative hiring software, we've gathered valuable perspectives on successful HR-manager collaborations. Alongside these expert opinions, we've included additional answers that reflect a diverse range of strategies for understanding departmental hiring needs. Discover how these collaborations can lead to more effective recruitment and a deeper comprehension of managerial requirements.


  • Implement a Job-Shadowing Program

  • Include Department Heads in Recruitment

  • Employ Comprehensive Recruitment Strategies

  • Create Cross-Departmental Hiring Committees

  • Use Digital Surveys for Manager Feedback

  • Co-Create Role-Specific Interview Questions

  • Develop Joint Manager-HR Hiring Workshops

  • Introduce Collaborative Hiring Software


Implement a Job-Shadowing Program


One particularly successful collaboration I had with a department manager involved job shadowing to gain a deeper understanding of their hiring needs. We implemented a job-shadowing program where Human Resources spent a day closely observing the team's daily operations, workflow, and challenges. This hands-on experience allowed me to grasp the nuances of the roles within the department and identify the specific skills and qualities they were looking for in potential hires.


Include Department Heads in Recruitment


As a recruiter, I work closely with hiring managers often, and sometimes they're hesitant to reach out and include department managers in our hunt. I don't think it's exclusionary so much as a fear of too many cooks in the kitchen.


But I always recommend bringing in a department head if possible, and recently did so on a big contract that had us sourcing several crucial roles in the advertising sector.

What the department manager knew—and the hiring manager didn't—was that the advertising team had a very specific communication style honed over many shared projects.


Adding in workers accustomed to another approach would have upset cohesion on the floor. Once we all worked together, we more easily found the right personality type and were able to land qualified workers who shifted seamlessly into the role.

Rob Reeves

CEO & President, Redfish Technology


Employ Comprehensive Recruitment Strategies


For a CEO, good teamwork between recruiters and bosses is very important to determine the jobs we need. This helps us better meet those needs. We have done very well with methods like lengthy meetings to ascertain role requirements, ensuring our job descriptions are equitable, and tailoring ads in newspapers or online specifically for the best candidates.


Using scorecards has been very effective in reducing bias in the hiring process. We maintain a consistent hiring procedure and gauge candidates' experiences during their job interviews by requesting feedback. It's important that we discuss salary openly and offer a fair amount from the outset. This comprehensive approach has significantly improved the speed and quality with which we select new employees.

Create Cross-Departmental Hiring Committees


In some organizations, the creation of cross-departmental hiring committees has greatly enhanced the recruitment process. These committees involve representatives from various departments who work together to identify the specifics of staffing needs. They ensure a unified understanding of the required skills and qualities needed for new employees.


By collaborating, they pool their knowledge to define the roles more accurately, leading to the selection of candidates who are a better fit for the company's objectives. Reflect on how your organization can leverage the collective insights of a cross-departmental team to streamline hiring methods.


Use Digital Surveys for Manager Feedback


The utilization of digital surveys has become a vital tool for gathering information from department managers about their hiring needs. Digital surveys can be quickly distributed and collected, allowing for a fast analysis of the data. The feedback received is invaluable, as it encapsulates the current and future needs directly from those who understand their department's operations best.


It's an efficient way to involve managers in a non-intrusive manner, ensuring their voices are heard without disrupting their busy schedules. Consider crafting a survey to capture the insights of your team leaders on what the ideal candidate looks like for their teams.


Co-Create Role-Specific Interview Questions


A collaborative approach where managers co-create role-specific interview questions has transformed the hiring process in some organizations. This method ensures that the questions align closely with the day-to-day realities of the job and the company's culture.


In doing so, candidates are assessed on scenarios and challenges they will actually face, while managers can judge their responses against real-world requirements.

This technique also helps in establishing clarity and consistency across interviews. Empower your managers to take part in forming the questions that will shape their future teams.


Develop Joint Manager-HR Hiring Workshops


The development of joint manager-HR hiring workshops has been central to improving the recruitment process in several companies. During these workshops, human resources staff and department managers can share expertise and create a cohesive understanding of the hiring process.


This also serves as an educational platform for managers to learn the nuances of effective interviewing and candidate evaluation.

As a result, the joint effort leads to better decision-making when it comes to new hires. Discover how a collaborative workshop can enhance the hiring acumen within your organization.


Introduce Collaborative Hiring Software


Introducing real-time, collaborative hiring software has led to a significant improvement in the efficiency of recruitment processes in forward-thinking companies. This technology allows multiple stakeholders to provide input and feedback on candidates instantaneously.


The software can track applicant progress, and managers can weigh in on the suitability of applicants at any stage.

This creates a dynamic and transparent process that helps in making informed decisions faster. Explore the implementation of a collaborative hiring platform to elevate your organization's recruitment strategy.


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