As the temperature begins to warm up, flowers bloom, allergies rear their ugly head, and people arm themselves with a broom and dustpan. It can only mean one thing: spring has sprung! But spring isn't the only time to clean up and clear out dusty, old processes.

Spring cleaning is about starting fresh. Applying that mindset to your recruiting process can help you find and place better hires. So break out the cleaning supplies and spruce up your recruiting process with these four tips:     

1. Organize your recruiting needs.

The first step to a better recruiting process is to organize your recruiting needs. Determine your short and long term recruiting goals. What have been your biggest recruiting successes? Mistakes? What issues are you facing with your current recruiting process? Questions like these can help you better evaluate and outline your goals moving forward.

Evaluating and organizing your recruiting goals establishes a clear vision. And having a clear vision makes it easier to pursue those goals and land quality talent.  

2. Dust off job descriptions.

In many cases, job descriptions serve as a candidate’s first impression of the company and the position. Using old, outdated job descriptions makes for a poor first impression. Instead, throw out overused job description templates (is that a fax number?) and tailor each job description to its unique position.

At the very minimum, your job descriptions should include the job title, description, company info, duties, preferred/desired skills, and information on how to apply. A good job description is much more than a laundry list of skills and responsibilities, however.

Job descriptions should also aim to attract candidates. Write a compelling introduction that grabs attention or describes what a day in your office would be like -- present job seekers with what they need to know in an attractive way. Keep your job descriptions short, conversational, descriptive, and packed with personality.

3. Clear candidate roadblocks.

The spring cleaning process includes eliminating unnecessary roadblocks -- especially where the candidate is concerned. One way to do this is by implementing video interviews into your recruiting process. With 47 percent of job candidates preferring video interviews over phone interviews (which only 36 percent prefer), according to a recent survey by Software Advice, video interviews should be embraced.

Not only can it eliminate tedious scheduling conflicts, by catering to individual schedules, it can also save candidates time and money on travel costs. Not to mention, it makes it easier for long-distance talent to take part in the interview process. That’s several interview roadblocks out of the way.   

4. Declutter your work environment.

Now that you’ve decluttered your recruiting process, it’s time to declutter your workspace. According to the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, our surroundings reflect what’s going on with us internally. Basically, a messy workspace leads to equally messy thoughts. And, when it comes to recruiting top talent, a clear thought process is essential. For a more organized workspace and recruiting process, start with the following:

• Start in one area (desk, drawer, shelf, etc.)

• Sort through the clutter

• Find a home for everything

• Create a filing system that works for you

• Organize office supplies

• Tackle your inbox
  
  

What are some ways you plan to spring clean your recruiting process? Share your ideas in the comments!

Josh Tolan is the CEO of Spark Hire, a video interview solution used by more than 2,000 companies across the globe. Learn more about how video has changed and connect with Spark Hire on Facebook and Twitter.