How to hire the right person for the job
Think back to the last time you recruited someone. Were you quite confident then that you had selected the right person for the job? And has that person turned out to be a real winner? Hiring staff is a huge responsibility; it can arouse feelings of anxiety and hesitancy. In today’s competitive world, however, the search for top-quality people is paramount. That’s why your skills in hiring the right people must come to the fore. Here are some key considerations to help you with your selection process...
1. Get the job description right.
Examine the current job description thoroughly. Is it still appropriate? Consult with the position's immediate supervisor, even the present incumbent, and then revise the requirements in terms of title, purpose of job, key responsibilities and duties, skills, limits of authority, job relationships, special demands, and conditions of employment.
2. Create a picture of the ideal person.
Review and itemise the job description, personal attributes, and the specific expectations of the person sought to fill the position. The list could comprise over 30 items, and would include educational and professional qualifications, experience, special attributes and skills, ability to communicate, interpersonal skills, organisational skills, motivation, and so on. You will have created a picture of the ideal person. Rarely, however, will such a person exist. Therefore, break the list of requirements into three categories: must-have, should-have, and like-to-have.
3. Devise a standard evaluation form.
Prepare a standard data collection form for interviewers, to collect for each candidate as much high-quality information relating to credentials, experience, skills, and behaviour as possible, together with the interviewer's interpretative comments. This will later assist in reviewing the relevant merits of candidates.
