It happens to everyone who is in charge of hiring: you interview someone, they seem great, you like them a lot, and you hire them. Then, the first day or work, it is almost as though their evil twin has shown up for the job. How do you avoid this situation? Follow the steps and tips to consistently hire the perfect person for the job.
Watch for non-verbal cues. You can learn a lot about a person by observation. Did they show up early for the interview? A few minutes early is a good sign that they are eager, but 15 to 20 minutes shows that they disregard your timetable. How do they dress? Professional attire is good of course, but someone that took a few minutes to see how the employees are dressed and mimic them shows a desire to be part of the team, as well as a little extra effort. If they look you in the eye and stand up straight, it shows confidence of course, but looking around often can also denote a tendency to "take it all in" and constantly be aware.
Look for demonstrated skills. Sure, the applicant may be polite and personable, but do they actually have the training and knowledge they need for the job? Too often employers look at peoples' personalities and eagerness and note whether they can really do the work. Ask questions about their job experience and look for examples that mirror what they will need to do for you. If they have done the work before, chances are they can do it again.
Do reference checks. This is a must. Even if your company doesn't require them for employment they are one of the best ways to learn about an applicant. Business references are the best, but a lot of businesses don't give them out. Don't let this discourage you. Say something like, "I understand your company does not give professional references, would you be willing to give a personal reference as to this person's character?" Even if it is off the record this will give you some background about the person you are thinking about hiring.
Know the requirements for the job. This seems like a no-brainer, but too often times employers don't focus on the true needs of the job. Will it require flexibility and the quick-thinking? Or will it need someone who can go by-the-book and memorize procedure? Knowing the skills that a person will need will allow you to ask better questions and get deeper into the characteristics a person has, rather than just their typing average.
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