Recruiting the right people is crucial to the success of any company. It goes without saying that hiring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Think strategically from start to finish with this recruitment plan.
Job posting
First things first, determine the qualities you most want to see in a candidate and the skills required for the job posting. Consider adding the day-to-day responsibilities to give the candidate an idea of how they – and their skill set — will fit into the bigger picture. Consider both internal and external candidates as well as reach out by word of mouth or via social media or job boards to find potential matches.
Screening and interviewing
Select the candidates you want to interview by searching for specific keywords in a resume.
Think broadly and narrowly with a combination of classic interview questions as well as behavioral questions that give you insight into the candidate’s personality and motivations. Look for examples of problem solving and initiative. You might also test candidates for skills specific to the job.
With remote work becoming more routine, it’s wise for both interviewer and interviewee to pay attention to the particular challenges of interviewing from a distance. In a word, technology. Be sure your platform and devices are working. And have a backup plan if things go awry. It may seem more comfortable to wing it, but don’t. Prepare just as you would for an in-person session and don’t forget a strong close.
Employment
Extending a job offer requires a phone call as well as a detailed formal letter. Be ready to negotiate hiring terms, including salary, title, hours, location (e.g. remote or work from home), or benefits.
Onboarding
A last step is to prepare your new hire for the job ahead. Your goal is to acclimate your new colleague to the work environment and responsibilities to decrease the chance of turnover. To prepare for a long-term relationship, consider implementing a new hire or onboarding process that includes a welcome packet or binder, orientation checklist and schedule, role-specific training, and a first week agenda to ease the new hire into their new job.
Originally published Oct. 7, 2021.
