When I make a mistake, I remind myself, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Then, I promise to learn from it and improve.
If you’re hiring for a Dental Assistant, Hygienist, or Front Office position, common, overlooked mistakes could be keeping you from finding the right candidates. As someone who hires dental professionals daily, I’ve identified the most frequent errors and how to fix them. Let’s dive in!
Job Posting Mistakes
The dental job market is fiercely competitive, and your job post must stand out to attract applicants. Common pitfalls include:
- Using confidential job postings: Unless it’s absolutely necessary, avoid anonymous posts. If your practice has great reviews, showcase your name to build trust.
- Not listing pay: Candidates often assume the pay is too low if it’s not posted. Make sure your rate is competitive, and include it in the listing.
- Poor formatting: Don’t just copy-paste your job post. Take the time to format it properly within the job board so it’s easy to read.
- Failing to sell the job and practice: Think of your job post as an advertisement. Highlight why your practice is a fantastic place to work.
For more tips on crafting a standout job post, check out this blog.
Resume Review Mistakes
Early in my recruiting days, I’d reject resumes with typos, poor formatting, or lack of experience. Desperate one day, I decided to revisit my “no pile” and was shocked to discover amazing candidates with less-than-perfect resumes.
Many Dental Assistants, for example, might lack advanced resume skills but excel in their work. Some might not have English as their first language or formal education beyond high school. Yet, these factors don’t detract from their ability to be exceptional team members.
Lesson learned: Don’t dismiss candidates solely based on their resumes. Give everyone a fair shot—you might find a gem.
Contacting Applicant Mistakes
The two biggest mistakes when contacting applicants are:
- Reaching out only once and assuming they’re not interested if they don’t respond.
- Not texting applicants.
Here’s why that’s a problem:
- Multiple touchpoints matter: Candidates often apply to several jobs at once and may get overwhelmed with callbacks. Follow up the next day if they don’t respond initially—they’re likely just busy.
- Work schedules: If you call while they’re working, they may miss the opportunity to return your call before your office closes.
This is where texting becomes essential. A text allows candidates to respond after work hours, making it easier to schedule interviews. Plus, studies show that 98% of texts are read, while only 17% of voicemails are listened to from unknown numbers.
So now you know to avoid these common hiring mistakes, and you’ll set yourself up to secure top talent in record time!
Smiles,
Holli Perez
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