Assessing and interviewing a candidate that is re-entering the workforce after an extended absence can be a tricky task to handle. While some absences are legitimately explainable, others might not be readily excused. Moreover, those who place their career on hold for personal or unannounced reasons can complicate the matter even further.
With that in mind, it’s important for an interviewer to ask the right questions of those candidates who are just now returning to the workforce. Not only can it help you locate and retain top talent in for your organization, it can even help the job seeker determine if your company is the right place to make their return.
Why They Left the Workforce in the First Place
From the recruit’s perspective, this might be the toughest question of the entire interview process. However, it should be asked when interviewing a job seeker who has recently returned to the workforce. While some candidates may have an answer ready, others may have personal or otherwise unannounced reasons for putting their careers on hold.
Other times, a candidate’s reason for leaving their career may be entirely beyond their control. Sudden changes in living situation, unexpected lay-offs or terminations, and a plethora of other factors can all affect one’s ability to maintain constant and steady employment over a long-term basis.
Reason for Returning and Choosing Your Company
Next, you’ll want to find out a job seeker’s exact reason for returning to the workforce. It could be something as simple as a dwindling savings account or an overabundance of free time, or it could be a result of newfound training, education or professional development. In either case, find out their reasoning before committing to a new hire. Doing so can go a long way in securing and retaining employees that will have a positive impact on your company’s bottom line.
Once you’ve established a candidate’s reason for re-entering the workforce, inquire about their reason for choosing your company. This could be something simple; perhaps your ad was the first one they saw or maybe they were recommended by a friend. Conversely, it could involve a lack of income, too much free time or the desire to advance one’s career to the next level. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to understand their reasoning in order to make sure their abilities align with the needs of your company as well as those of the job in question.
What Have They Done to Keep Their Skills Fresh and Current
Finally, ask these recruits how they’ve been able to maintain their skill sets and expertise during their absence. The answer may be obvious for those who are re-entering the workforce with brand new degrees and credentials, but others may have completely ignored their career skills during this time. Either way, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with before onboarding the latest interviewee.
Finding Top Talent in the Hospitality Industry
Depending on your exact area of expertise, it can be difficult to find talent that is reliable, reputable and experienced. If you have difficulty locating or retaining hospitality workers, please contact RMG Staffing today!
