The first exposure most hiring managers have to any shipyard candidates is their resume. But far too often, more weight is placed on this document that is necessary. Sure, a good resume is important, but hiring shipyard talent is about so much more. How can you look beyond the resume to ensure you’re hiring the top talent for your open marine positions? Here are a few things that should also be on your radar.
Review their overall application.
Don’t just focus on the words and structure of their resume, look at the entire package. Do you use online applications? How did they complete it? Did they skip sections altogether? Did they avoid answering certain things or use one or two words in their answers? Did they send a cover letter with their resume? How was it addressed? How was the email worded? All of these may be clues to the quality of each candidate.
Conduct a behavioral interview.
After you’ve selected the candidates you believe to be a fit, conduct the interviews by asking them behavioral questions. The idea behind behavioral questions is to determine how someone might react when in a specific situation. Commonly, these prompts may start with phrases like, “Tell me about a time when.”
Follow up on the right references.
It may surprise you that many employers, both in shipyards and other industries, don’t complete thorough reference checks before hiring an employee. Some feel they’re useless since you may only get a confirmation of employment. But it’s an important step when done correctly. Ask for direct contact information, not just HR, and be willing to have a discussion.
Work with them on a trial basis.
Of course, you can mitigate all of your risk if you are willing to work with your new marine employee on a temporary basis to get a feel for their skills and abilities while on the job. Working with an agency that specializes in shipyard placements will also ensure that you receive qualified candidates who have been prescreened and reference checked prior to starting their assignment.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
Do you want to hire the best shipyard candidates for your open positions? Contact the team at Hutco now.
