Hiring the right person for your business can be a daunting task. You want to find someone who is not only qualified and competent, but that has the same values as your company. Hiring the wrong person for an important role isn’t simply a major inconvenience, but a huge waste of your time and money as well. Once you are confident it is time to hire someone new, follow the tips below to find the perfect employee for your company.
The first step in hiring the right person is to know what you are looking for. What qualifications and skills are required for the job? If you are unsure, consult with someone knowledgeable about the position. If you are not the direct manager for this position, then include that person in these conversations. Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can begin writing the job description.
A good job description isn’t simply a to-do list, but rather a guide— something that will benefit both you and the employee. Be sure to include all relevant information, such as job duties, required qualifications and desired skills. If you take the time and write it well, your new hire will have a clear picture of what is required of them, allowing them to give their best effort. You'll also be able to evaluate their performance and hold them accountable for the work they do.
Once you have your job description written and posted, the applications will start flowing in. Taking the time to vet your candidates is an important step. While it may be tempting to skip this part of the process, as it can be time-consuming and difficult to do thoroughly, it can shed light on aspects of a prospective hire you otherwise would not have seen.
Next, you will need to develop a plan for interviewing applicants. This is an important step in the hiring process, as it allows you to get to know the candidates and assess their suitability for the role. When developing your interview questions, be sure to focus on the person’s ability to do the job, as well as their values. Ask them what they are not good at or what area they can improve on. Their answer will give you insight into whether or not they are working to grow their skillsets. It will also assist you in determining work ethic and personal objectives. Are they attempting to improve these aspects of their life or trying to avoid them?
During the interview, pay close attention to any questions the candidate asks. It's a given that any competent applicant should ask intelligent questions throughout the interview process. This demonstrates their preparedness and participation, which are always positive indicators. It is best to think of the interview as a two-sided conversation, not an interrogation.
You can also look for ways to evaluate candidates outside of the normal face-to-face interview. As you know, some people are just good interviewers and others get nervous easily. Neither of these traits will make someone succeed or fail in your open position. Consider adding personality tests or skill-based questionnaires that can be done in a location more comfortable to the individual. Paired with your interview, this should give you a better sense of your candidates.
A vital step in hiring the right person is to assess their culture fit. This can be done in a number of ways, but some common methods include having them complete a values test or conducting a work trial. A values test will help you determine if the applicant’s personal values align with your company’s values. A work trial allows the candidate to experience what it would be like to work at your company. This is a great way to see if they are a good fit for your team and culture.
Of course, before you can do that, you need to have a grasp on what your company's culture is. Culture fit is important because it helps to create a cohesive work environment. When everyone shares the same values, there is less conflict and more collaboration.
Finally, after you have interviewed all of the candidates and narrowed down your choices, it is time to evaluate all of the information you have gathered and make a decision. While you may be eager to choose someone and get them started, it is beneficial to take your time. In doing so, you can show your current employees and the new hire you prioritize selecting someone that will mesh well with your team.
The hiring process is important, but it's only one part of building a great team. Once you've found the right person, be sure to onboard them properly and set them up for success in their new role. If you do all of this, you'll be well on your way to building a strong team that can take your business to new heights.