How to choose between two promising candidates

Are you nearing the end of the hiring process and still deliberating over two equally qualified candidates? Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.

• Focus on soft skills. If both candidates have similar training and work experience, compare their communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. This will help you determine which person would be a better fit for your team and a greater asset for your business.

• Use a variety of tests. In addition to administering a technical skills assessment test, you might want to issue a personality, integrity, cognitive ability, or emotional intelligence test. This way you can further evaluate each candidate’s capabilities and potential.

• Consult your colleagues. If you want to get a second opinion, consider introducing both candidates to other members of your team, either through a follow-up interview or an office tour. Alternatively, you can simply discuss the attributes of each candidate with a trusted colleague to get their input on who would be the right pick.

Keep in mind that this problem is a happy one. If you have to decide between two strong candidates, you’ll end up with a great employee regardless of which one you hire.