How to Avoid a Bad Hire
Posted October 25th, 2011
The hiring process often is one that is laced with tension. It can result in a good decision, where the new employee turns out to be just what you needed, someone who performs well and knows his or her job. But it can also lead to negative results, where the new person doesn’t work out, leading to a mess that has to be cleaned up, and reflecting poorly on all involved in the process.
So, how can you avoid a big hiring mistake?
Human resource experts counsel that prevention is the key. You need to work on and refine the process itself, they say. It is more of a science than an art, adds Adele Lynn, business advisor.
You need to use a method that is clear and that is applied in the same way all the time. You can bring these qualities to the process by being aware of the kinds of things that are important to the business as a whole. For example, is creativity a must have, or analytical thinking? The interviews need to have a structure and include different people from the company. You also need to set up a standardized method of ranking the candidates.
Companies also need to pay attention to time. Often, companies are in a hurry to fill a position, and so they short circuit the interview process, merely asking a few catch-all questions and giving an applicant information about the job. This is asking for trouble.
Interviewers also need to be very clear about the specific skills they need for a particular job. They need to determine how much experience they would like a candidate to have. And they also need to be clear about the kinds of behaviors that are necessary to be successful in a job – assertiveness, working with others, analytical ability?
Questioning during the interview should attempt to get at the motivations of the applicant, about what drives his or her behavior.
After the applicant is hired, the new employee should have the proper support and help at getting oriented and brought up to speed in the new position. The new employee also should know clearly what the expectations are for the job.
If you’re looking for great temporary or direct-hire professionals for your San Francisco-area firm, contact Bayside Solutions. We can help source, vet and place some of the best Bay Area workers to be found in the Bay Area. We look forward to hearing from you!
