The second of ten practices to avoid is front loaded recruiting systems.

All the rage in the corporate hiring arena, so-called front-loaded hiring processes require candidates to surmount unbelievable obstacles before earning so much as a phone call from your HR staff. Those trials can include credit checks, reference checks, online honesty tests, questionnaires, sample work assignments, and other mandatory drills that signal "We'll just need you to crawl over a few more bits of broken glass, and you may get that interview." Don't be fooled by job-market reports—talented, creative employees are as hard to snag as ever. By giving the hiring power back to your hiring managers the speed and quality of your hires will improve and you will be recruiting the "A" player candidates.