Hiring the Right Employee

What to Look for When Selecting New Hires

Jul 26, 2007

Selecting the right candidate for the job is tough. As a leader, you need to consider many factors before making your decision.

Hiring a wrong new employee is a costly proposition. It makes sense to consider the selection carefully so that you are not back screening resumes a month later.

What a Leader Looks for in a New Employee

Attitude

Do they give examples when answering questions that show that they have a positive attitude?
Are they open and willing to learn? To change? To adapt to a new environment?
Do they seem happy and interested in the work?
Do they miss opportunities to bash their previous employer or boss?

Organization

Do they demonstrate preparedness by coming to the interview having researched the company or organization, its values and mission, its products and services and its winning proposition?
Did they show up to the interview a few minutes early?
Were their documents organized and neatly presented?

Cultural Fit

Can you envision them integrating in to their new team of colleagues?
Do you like them?
Do they share the corporate values demonstrated by their preferences, lifestyle choices and career priorities?

Skill Set

Do they possess a skill set that will add value to the team?
Will they need excessive training to get up to speed?
Is their education and training current and relevant?
Are their skills transferable to this new role?
Do they want to learn?
Do they show leadership potential?

References

Did the candidate’s former boss hate to see them leave and would hire them again if possible?
Did the candidate’s former boss respect them and their skills?
Did the candidate’s former colleagues state that they got along with everyone and is sorely missed?

If you have comments or suggestions on this blog entry, please start a discussion

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