How To Hire Good People



"HIRING TIPS:

o  Take time to compose a job description for the position,
    and put yourself in the shoes of the person you want to
    hire.  What qualities would your ideal candidate possess?

o  Check references carefully.  If the former employer won't
    answer your questions, find a former colleague, vendor
    or supplier.  Ask questions that pertain to the job the
    employee will be performing for you.

o  Listen carefully.  Resist the impulse to spend your
    interviewing time talking about the position and the
    company.  Let the applicant do the talking.  Listen to
    what he or she is saying, and don't let your desire to fill
    the position color your judgment.

o  Ask the person to tell you about his or her last job.
    While every situation is different, in general, you want
    to watch out for an employee who speaks negatively of
    his or her past employers.

o  Suggest applicants tell you something negative you should
    know about them.  You are looking for honesty -- and a
    sign that a person is aware of his or her flaws and is
    taking steps to correct them.

o  Ask applicants what they would do if they got in over their
    head.  An employee who turns to a colleague is a team
    player.  A person who turns to a supervisor has a different
    mindset.  An employee who isolates himself when in
    trouble can be extremely damaging to your business.

o  Ask, 'Where do you see yourself in five years ?' or 'What
    are your future goals ?'  Small businesses need employees
    who can grow and evolve with the company.  An employee
    who does not have goals or ambitions may resist learning
    new skills or taking on additional responsibilities."