Tailored Screening vs DIY Hiring: Why Going It Alone Could Cost You More
Introduction
When small business owners say, “We’ll handle the hiring ourselves,” it sounds practical. After all, how hard can it be to post a job on Seek, read a few CVs, and pick someone good?
But here’s the catch: screening applicants isn’t just about finding someone who can do the job. It’s about finding someone who’s the right fit—without spending weeks sifting through generic applications.
At Mornington Screening Service, we’ve worked with hundreds of business owners who first tried the DIY route. Most quickly realised the true cost: lost time, wrong hires, and added stress.
Let’s compare what really happens when you try to do it yourself vs. letting us step in.
1. The Job Ad: Sell the Role, Don’t Just List It
DIY: Most owners cut and paste a past job ad or cobble one together from a generic template.
MSS: We write custom job ads that highlight the benefits of your role and appeal directly to the right candidates.
🎯 First impressions matter. A generic ad gets generic applicants. Our ads speak directly to your ideal hire.
2. Screening Questions That Actually Work
DIY: Rely on Seek’s pre-loaded screening questions—or none at all.
MSS: We create custom questions based on your specific brief. These filter out unqualified applicants before you waste time reviewing them.
🧠 Generic filters = generic answers. Tailored questions reveal who’s serious and who’s not.
3. Response Time and Follow-Up
DIY: You’re juggling calls, emails, and CV reviews between everything else.
MSS: Applicants hear from us within an hour (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm). We send emails and texts to avoid missed contacts.
⏱️ Speed matters. Delays in follow-up mean you’ll lose top candidates.
4. Shortlist Quality
DIY: You shortlist from instinct or rush. Often you’re unsure who’s actually qualified.
MSS: We assess, evaluate, and only send candidates who meet your criteria—fully briefed and pre-qualified.
🔎 Our shortlists are tight. No guesswork, no surprises.
5. Zoom Snapshot (Optional Add-On)
DIY: You rely solely on a resume and maybe a quick phone call.
MSS: We record a short Zoom session with each candidate so you can gauge personality, communication style, and culture fit—before you book an interview.
🎥 See the person behind the paper—without scheduling an hour-long call.
6. Cost
DIY: Your time is free—until it’s not. Many clients tell us they spent 10–15 hours on just one hire.
MSS: $700 fixed fee. $300 extra if you want the Zoom snapshot. No commissions or hidden extras.
💰 What’s your time worth? Our service pays for itself in time saved and better hires made.
Final Word
DIY hiring can work—but only if you have time, hiring experience, and great instincts. Most business owners don’t. That’s where we come in.
With Mornington Screening Service, you get:
✅ A compelling job ad
✅ Custom screening questions
✅ A pre-qualified shortlist
✅ Optional Zoom snapshots
✅ Peace of mind
✅ Ready to Hire Smarter?
👉 Submit Your Briefing Form Now
📞 Or contact Jacqui or Tracey to talk through your next hire.
