A business is only as effective as its staff, and so one of the most effective things you can do as a manager is to choose employees who are a great fit for your company. Going through the hiring process may seem daunting, but following these steps will ensure that you are well on your way to picking ideal candidates to work for you.
Do Your Research
Even if a potential employee’s resume looks promising and you get along with him or her in person, you should not make an offer before performing a reference and background check. Ask applicants to provide the names of two or three previous employers who are willing to serve as references, and make yourself aware of any potential red flags by investing in background check services for employers.
Consider Implementing a Screening Test
If a particular role requires a specific skill set that will be difficult or impossible for the person you hire to learn on the job, such as writing ability, it may be a good idea to require job applicants to complete a task that assesses those skills. You can have candidates complete the task as part of the interview or ahead of time. You may either devise the test yourself or find one online.
Use an Evaluation Sheet and Take Notes
If you’re interviewing multiple candidates over the course of a day, it can be difficult to keep them all straight in your head. Filling out a short evaluation sheet during or immediately after each interview as well as jotting down a few relevant impressions will be helpful when the time comes to make your decision.
No matter what type of role you are trying to fill, good employees share a few qualities in common, including a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Make sure to keep an open mind, and take your time before extending a job offer.