Smart Hiring: What Makes the Right Employee?

Good hires do not happen by accident or luck. In this economy, employers are finding a large pool of available workers. But finding the right employee for a position is still a challenge. Few managers, when asked, can describe "right." Others can't agree on what qualifies one to be qualified, at least in measurable terms.

Before hiring some, ask yourself these four critical questions.

  • What are the three to five essential have-to's for this position?

    • Are we looking for a person with great technical experience whom we then can train in our customer service process? Or are we looking for a person, with great customer service skills, whom we can train in our technology? Be crystal clear on what it takes to be successful in the position by looking at your top performers. What makes them top performers?

  • How do we know if this person has what we need?

    • People bring competencies to work just like a carpenter brings a toolbox. But not every carpenter is a craftsperson, even if he is carrying the very top-of-the-line tools. Using behavioral interviewing, assessments, or simulations can demonstrate the competency.

  • How much competence is good enough? Do we need a 10?

    • Managers make a big mistake in assuming that everyone needs to be "10" in everything. The fact is that many superstars have just average competence, while many a failed employee had a lot of 10s but one fatal flaw. Don't lose out on a good hire because he doesn't walk on water.

  • Do they have the right skill set, but the wrong personal style?

    • A candidate's personal style might indicate that an individual prefers to work alone, is highly competitive, prefers strict guidelines and compliance, is easily agitated by criticism, and is a skeptic. He may have the desire to lead but becoming competent will be a daunting task.

    Another is outgoing, enjoys working with people, exhibits a moderate level of assertiveness, is innovative, and tolerates stress well. This person's style certainly would make it easier to build rapport with and acceptance from direct reports and the management team.

    Marcia Zidle, the 'people smarts' coach, works with business leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ? to grow and increase profits. She offers free help through Leadership Briefing, a weekly e-newsletter with practical tips on leadership style, employee motivation, recruitment and retention and relationship management.

    Subscribe by going to http://leadershiphooks.com and get the bonus report "61 Leadership Time Savers and Life Savers". Marcia is the author of the What Really Works Handbooks ? resources for managers on the front line and the Power-by-the-Hour programs ? fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development. She is available for media interviews, conference presentations and panel discussions on the hottest issues affecting the workplace today. Contact Marcia at 800-971-7619.

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Enable Continuous Improvement of IT Services through ITIL

    One of the major benefits, if not THE benefit of... Read More

    ISO 9001 Compliant Program: Steps to Build

    Implementing an ISO 9001 system represents a major effort. However,... Read More

    6 Shared Factors of Successful Executives

    These factors where determined by interviews with and books from... Read More

    Do You Need a Personal Assistant?

    It's great to be multi-skilled?be able to type your own... Read More

    Business Relationship Germs

    In management seminars I often compare debt to an infection.... Read More

    Sweet Parting Of Ways

    Why settle for bad feelings when your employee leaves the... Read More

    How To Hire Superstars

    Can a person's behavior and values really determine if they... Read More

    The Dripping Faucet in Every Organization

    Each day millions of workers spend 8 hours or more... Read More

    Developing Your Mission

    "The best Leader is one who knows how to pick... Read More

    Success: A Wholistic Perspective

    The world has always been mixed with the... Read More

    Creativity and Innovation Directors, Consultants and Managers

    Creativity and Innovation is essential for competitive advantage, yet the... Read More

    Cheat Sheet; Understanding The MSDS and Your Obligations In The Workplace To Employees

    MSDS SHEETSMSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheets. MSDS sheets... Read More

    Organizing The Information

    Putting a piece of paper in a file folder is... Read More

    Help for the Meeting-Weary Manager

    Most of us have found ourselves working on a team... Read More

    Downsizing in Organisations - The Real Truth

    I've met and worked with many people in all sectors... Read More

    Dealing with Marginal Performers: The Therapeutic Approach

    --PREPARATION: The purpose of the therapeutic approach is to spark... Read More

    Change Management: Avoid Havoc In Very Uncertain Times

    Escalating gas prices...tensions and turmoil in the Middle East...a struggling... Read More

    5 Ideas To Leverage The 3 Stages Of Career Development In Your Organization

    In most industrialized nations, the average age a student graduates... Read More

    25 Great Ways to Find the Right People and Not Break the Bank

    Are you trying to hire dozens of hourly workers or... Read More

    Communication Mix-Up

    My friend Delia is the owner of a small private... Read More

    On The Job Training is Something You Canā??t Afford to Skip

    Trained employees are more productive employees; thereā??s no doubt about... Read More

    How to Manage Your People Well: Tips for Managers of Training

    As a training manager, there are two important aspects to... Read More

    6 Steps to Effective Communication

    Effective leaders are known for being excellent communicators. Here's what... Read More

    Leadership Skills

    Recent studies have shown that industrial supervisors are working at... Read More

    How to Meet Quality Standards with ISO 9001

    In today's hectic business environment, it is vital that we... Read More

    Influencing Change - A Guide for Sellers, Coaches, and Supervisors

    When people or groups make a decision to purchase something,... Read More

    Innovation Management ? Emotion, Habit, and Culture can be Hard to Change!

    Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

    Lateral Thinking, Logical Thinking, Applied Creativity

    Certain processes enhance creative output and others enhance innovative output.... Read More

    How To Conduct Effective Meetings

    Before you call your next meeting, the FIRST step is... Read More

    Business is About Making Money

    Ask most people why they are in business and they... Read More

    Small Business Checking Accounts

    ACCOUNTING AND BILLINGCHECK BOOKSWe recommend that you maintain a business... Read More

    Bolster Credibility with Investors--Avoid These Phrases in Your Business Plan

    Remember Papa John's commercial on TV with the slogan "Better... Read More

    Sharing the Reins: 10 Reasons To Sell Your Company To Your Employees

    In 1987 I sold my business, South Mountain Company, to... Read More