One of the key aspects I’ve learned about the hiring process over the last 20 years is that a well thought out and formal approach to hiring will serve your firm in a multitude of ways. Too often, hiring processes are left to a “fly by the seat of your pants” approach, which in the end, proves to be costly.
Formal hiring processes should start with:
Clearly defined job descriptions and requirements
It is essential to prepare and provide up-to-date job descriptions for employees to be successful. Include the skills, experience, knowledge, and education necessary for the position. Not only are job descriptions a valuable hiring tool, they should also provide a positive impact fostering consistency and clarity for everyone involved. Further utilize job descriptions as a communication guide and a means to review other workplace functions such as performance management, training, team development, compensation, and discipline.
Training for interviewers
While you may be a master at conducting interviews, frontline leaders usually aren’t. The success of your hiring process depends on how well hiring managers and/or team members assess and select talent. Delegating interviews to team members who are not properly trained can lead to poor choices. Invest in proper training for interviewers or outsource interviews to a third party.
A process to conduct effective interviews
In order to achieve the best results possible, it is crucial to ensure a consistent interview structure. In the first minutes of an interview assess the candidate’s appearance, confidence, and passion. Don’t forget to pick up on non-verbal communication by observing body language. Ask each candidate the same interview questions. Check out the list of 10 awesome interview questions below.
Candidate testing
There is no doubt that knowing and understanding the needs of your industry, target audience, and clients contributes to success. With that said, knowing the business, the team, and oneself to enhance professional skills is too often overlooked and undervalued. Candidate assessments serve as a catalyst to gaining comprehensive solutions that enable you to make improved professional and people decisions.
Input from other team members
Incorporate a methodology that delivers input from other team members. By including current employees in the interview process you will gain a broader perspective and additional insight into each candidate that otherwise could be missed.
Better hiring results in improved team performance. Without further ado, here is our list of 10 awesome interview questions.