The rise of headhunting has turned the tables on employers many of whom are now faced with the challenge of selling themselves and their business to potential employees.

As well as hiring professional recruiters, employers are also honing their interview skills and looking for new tools to improve their selection hit rate. It is a sellers’ market. Often the candidate does not need the job and has to be convinced that changing employers is a good idea.

Last month, Beilby Rewards members gave the thumbs up to psychological testing with more than 80% of survey respondents saying they had paid for professional testing with satisfying results.

Recruitment and selection was the key driver for 65% of participants, compared with training and development (6%), career transition (3.5%) or performance management (3%). More than one in five members said they had used testing in all areas.

If you are using a headhunter for the first time, they are likely to work closely with you to ensure the candidate feels welcome and comfortable at the initial interview.

Firstly, be clear about the structure of the interview and who will attend so the interviewee does not feel ambushed by a selection panel. Very few interviews go drastically wrong if the candidate feels he had a fair and enjoyable hearing, although the outcome might not be to everyone’s satisfaction.

Ask your consultant to confirm the appointment the day before. As a rule of thumb if they have been unable to contact the candidate for 24 hours the news is not usually good.

Second interviews should follow the same checking process but at this stage you will be able to pass on to the client any questions your candidate may of had from the first meeting (and by the same token have passed on any concerns the client may of had to your candidate) to ensure a healthy flow of information.

At every interview stage always give your consultants feedback on the candidates they present. This will help all parties in the future and ensure a closer fit between the job seekers and the role you are trying to fill.