The hiring process takes a great deal of time and resources. You must create a job description, post the opening, sift through countless resumes, and conduct interviews. Hiring the wrong person is the last thing you want to happen. Not only will you have to start the whole process over again, but it might take you some time before you can get rid of the wrong hire. Wrong hires can look phenomenal on paper and seem like the perfect fit during an interview. How do you differentiate between an excellent hire and a candidate who comes across well but has undesirable traits for your company?
Actions Speak Louder than Words
You should expect every candidate to come into an interview and talk about how qualified they are for the position. However, beware of candidates who embellish their credentials. You don’t want to hire someone on the basis that they can perform certain skills, only to find out they do not have the skills. Ask about specific accomplishments or jobs they’ve completed in the past that prove they do have the skills needed.
Look Beyond Hard Skills
Hard Skills are important, but so are soft skills. Ask questions in the interview that allow you to see what kind of employee the candidate will be. Find out if the candidate:
- Works well with a team
- Respects authority
- Has the ability to be a leader when necessary
- Has a desire to learn
- Possesses a positive attitude
A candidate can have all of the hard skills required, but a lack of the right soft skills often means he or she is not the right fit for the position. Avoid asking the most common questions such as “Do you have a good work ethic?” that will only lead to canned answers.
Check References
Follow up an interview by checking references. This may seem like a hassle, but references can tell you a lot about a candidate so long as you ask the right questions. Suggestions include:
- Asking how the candidate problem solves
- How do they contribute to the work culture?
- Ask employers if they would hire the candidate again
- Specifically, ask the best and worst traits of the candidate
It may take a little bit of digging to get a reference to open up about the candidate you are calling about. However, it is well worth the effort and can help you confirm whether or not he or she is right for the position.
Let One of the Leading Staffing Firms in Texas Take the Hassle out of Hiring
It takes a great deal of time and resources to find the perfect candidate. Staffing firms take the hassle out of hiring by narrowing down applicants and thoroughly vetting candidates before sending them to you for an interview. Let Resource Staffing find the perfect candidate for your personnel needs!