Four tips to hiring the right person
Hiring the right resources is challenging and a never-ending learning experience. It is hard, very hard to identify and select people that are right for a position, fit the company’s culture, and can integrate their skills and personality to meet the needs of a role. What are some of the things to look for as part of (hopefully) making the right hiring decision? There are many things; and for sure the recipe is different for each hiring manager and each organization. Here are some quick tips to help you start off in the right direction:
Don’t hire in your own image: One of the best things you can do for your department and your company is to hire people that don’t necessarily share the same opinions or ideas. You want new ideas – people that will spark healthy debate and bring fresh blood to a role. Hiring in your own image can result in getting the same thing you have always been getting. In other words, don’t hire YES men/women.
Consider positive personality: Of course we want to hire the best person for the job. But, given the choice between two candidates – one that is perfectly qualified but not as engaging (might not fit as well from a personality perspective) and one that is not as qualified but is more personable and down to earth, what do you do? I say go for the personality. People can be trained to learn new concepts. You cannot train a personality. Consider this: If you had to get on a plane with a person and spend eight hours in the air with them, who would you rather be next to – they guy who’s personality you cannot stand, or the person who needs some training but you really like?
Hire action oriented people: There is likely nothing worse than an employee that comes to you for every decision; nothing less productive – if you wanted to make all the choices and decisions you wouldn’t need to hire anybody. During the interview process you should probe about specific instances (ask for examples) where the candidate was in a situation requiring a game time decision. What did she do? Did she act swiftly with decisiveness or try to avoid taking action? You want a strong team? Groups that can make things happen? You need people who are willing to take responsibility and stand by their decisions.
Hire people smarter than you: Don’t be afraid to hire someone smarter than you. How better to look good than surrounding yourself with talented and intelligent people? Your performance will shine as well. Of course you will need to give credit where credit is due.
It takes time and a careful approach to hiring the right resources. Make your decisions carefully. The choices you make can serve as the cornerstone for success and growth.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
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