Articles

April 2005: Manage This … Selection

Hiring the right people is not easy. Nearly 80 percent of turnover is attributed to hiring mistakes. A little awareness goes a long way in hiring the best people.

Beware of first impressions — up to 80% of hiring decisions are made within the first 10 minutes. Those 10 minutes could simply prove a candidate’s interviewing skills.

Beware the “just like me” factor. It’s easy to be attracted to someone who reminds you of yourself. Don’t let that obscure other data you receive.

Try a simulation. Have candidates perform a job aspect to assess their talents. Financial analyst candidates could analyze a financial statement; IT technicians could trouble-shoot an issue; and administrative assistant candidates could write a letter. Be consistent with all candidates to ensure a legal process.

Use references to your advantage. Many organizations don’t allow managers to give out information. However, if you ask the right questions you can get valuable information. One great question is “If I hire this person, how would you recommend that I manage them?”

If after getting all of this data, your gut tells you that something is wrong — and you know it’s not due to a personal prejudice — listen to it. It is usually right.

Continually build your networks. When there’s an opening, you will already have candidates in the pipeline.

While selection processes are never 100% accurate (after all, we are human), you can significantly increase the validity through a structured process incorporating strong interviewing, simulations and reference checks.

Manage This … almost all managers rely on their teams to be successful. What can you do to build a successful team? See the answer right here on the second Monday in May.

Please feel free to call or write with questions or comments. I welcome your feedback.

Please pass this to others who would benefit from it.

If you want specific references for any of the material, please let me know.

Manage This … is a monthly eZine by Kerrie Halmi, Halmi Performance Consulting. Visit www.halmiperformance.com.