Pitfalls to Avoid When Hiring

30Oct09

Take the time to hire the right person

I remember a time in my organization where we were looking to add to our staff.  After reviewing many applicants we narrowed the field down to three.  After more contemplation and grueling interviews, we made an offer to what we “thought” was our best choice.  He accepted the position and we began moving forward.  He seemed to everyone on the executive team as the person that would add the greatest value to our organization and he seemed to be a fit for all of us.  WOW…where we wrong.

This individual wasn’t a fit at all.  The value I hoped that he would add just wasn’t there.  If I could do it all over again I would not hire that individual and I would have saved us money and time and even some hurt feelings.  One of the greatest decisions a leader must make is hiring the right person.  I have heard it said that “people are always the problem and they are always the solution.”  If you want to move forward with your organization and you want to go to the top, it will be strongly dependent on the people you hire.

Here are some pitfalls to avoid in your hiring process:

Don’t hire out of desperation
Often we put the word out, go through the interviewing process and find that there isn’t much out there.  So we are left to settle for the lesser of two evils.  We end up throwing good judgment out the window and make a hire in desperation to fill the need.  This move will, in the end, cost you more than if you had waited.  Be careful not to make this fatal mistake.

Don’t ignore your personal feelings or gut reaction
If you don’t like a candidate in the initial interview – when the person should be at their best – chances are you won’t like the person later.  I am not saying everything rises and falls on your first meeting, but don’t be afraid to go with your intuition.

Don’t hire someone who has the ability but lacks the people skills
I always say that you can teach someone to run a computer or to organize an event, but it is very difficult to teach someone people skills.  I would rather have someone who needs a few weeks of training to get caught up, but is great with people, than someone who is technically advanced but socially unfit.  Be careful not to let your good judgment be blinded by someone’s great ability.  Their inability to connect with others may cost you more then they can achieve.

Don’t be vague
When you hire someone don’t be in such a hurry that you become vague about their roles and responsibilities.  It is important that they know exactly what they are getting into and what is expected of them.  If you are not clear about your expectations then you will be setting the relationship up for frustration.  Be clear, put it in writing and hold them accountable to it.

Until next time,

Chris Sonksen

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

“You can buy a man’s time; you can even buy his physical presence at a given place, but you cannot buy enthusiasm…you cannot buy loyalty…you cannot buy devotion of hearts, minds or souls.”
Charles Frances

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Tags: hiring, Human Relations, Leadership, loyalty, staff, team player, teram