When hiring, you expect your candidates to be honest about their experience and skills. But do you have the same expectations for yourself? For certain positions, the hiring process can take a significant amount of time. This can lead some hiring managers to do whatever it takes to get a candidate to accept, even if that means stretching the truth about aspects of the job. This is a problem, not only because it hides what the position really is but it demonstrates a lack of transparency and integrity that will create a culture of distrust.

To maintain a positive image with applicants, here are three things during the hiring process that you should always be completely honest about.

1 - The Type of Person Needed for the Job

There can be tremendous pressure from upper management or customers to fill open positions as quickly as possible. However, making a rushed decision just to get someone in the door will create problems down the road. If you fail to mention the shortcomings of the company or position, the new hires will either not perform up to your standards or simply quit. This will take you right back to where you started.

Finding the perfect fit is nearly impossible, but you should create and stick to a short list of necessary skills and experience. When candidates don’t meet these basic requirements, they shouldn’t be moved on to the later stages.

2 - The Downsides of the Job

It’s important to be honest about the negative aspects the role might present. It might seem counterproductive to mention them since you’re trying to sell the candidates on the company and job. However, the truth will be discovered, whether it is tomorrow or a month down the line.

When interviewing applicants, give them an accurate picture of both the job and work environment. If you make things sound better than they actually are, you will see higher turnover and lower overall application counts as more people become aware of the poor hiring practices.

3 - The Opportunities for Advancement and Raises

For many job seekers, salary and advancement opportunities are the largest factors when choosing a position. It can be tempting to lure them in with the promises of annual raises or a clear growth plan. However, similar to ignoring the downsides of the job, employees will find out sooner than later that your words don’t match your actions.

It is understandable that some positions don’t offer much mobility in terms of salary or advancement. However, don’t make candidates believe that it is something more than it really is. Being up front about your company’s salary and organizational structure will help you hire and retain the right employees for the job.

Being open and honest with candidates is critical in maintaining a successful organization. You’ll hire motivated employees who share similar values which will lead to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity and improved engagement across all levels of the company.

Looking for other ways to be more transparent with your employees? Check out these tips on how to develop a formal internal communication plan!