How to choose between two really good job candidates

How to choose between two really good job candidatesAs a hiring manager, your reputation is built and bolstered by your ability to source top-tier candidates for positions across your organization. Chances are your performance goals are closely tied to how effective you are at stocking your companys teams with the best available talent.Sometimes this is a relatively straightforward task, and the perfect candidate comes your way for an open positionall you have to do is get them interested and sell them on the notion of joining your team. Other times, the hiring process is a bit more difficult.Most seasoned hiring managers have encountered nearly every permutation of hiring challenge imaginableone particularly anxiety-inducing one is when you have what seems to be two perfect candidates who are vying for the saatkorn position. Both candidates are well-qualified, have impeccable industry backgrounds and skill sets, come equipped with sterling references, and appear to be great potentia l fits in all key areasand youre tasked with deciding who rises from the candidate heap and earns the coveted spot.Heres a solid method for successfully handling this situation in an effort to best meet your companys needs.Look beyond the obviousIf youre facing the choice of having to decide between two great candidates and they both seem equally matched in all the key metrics you typically base your hiring decisions upon, then look beyond the typical. Step back from the situation and think about whether or not a candidate made a positive impression on you in an area that you typically overlook or dont weigh heavily. If theres an area of strength that may help one candidate perform on the jobno matter how smallthen consider taking into consideration. Traits like personality type and problem-solving style arent off-limits, even if they dont fit into typical evaluation models.