The Final Pick: Selecting the Standout Candidate

Choosing between two final candidates is never an easy task. Each hiring opportunity is unique, yet there are times when you are faced with two standout candidates who make your final decision quite difficult. Without a doubt this is a good problem to have, but it's one that must be taken seriously and carefully. Sometimes it's wise to look beyond a formal rubric and explore subtle details. Who went above and beyond in preparing for and executing the performance tasks? Who made connections with community members that weren't a part of the hiring team? Who asked questions that showed a deep understanding of, and commitment to, your mission, culture, and vision? Measuring and assessing formal qualifications is unquestionably an important task, but getting into the nuanced details of how each finalist performed and delivered will often lead you to the right decision.