How to Recruit the Right People in Your Team

Hiring the right people is a crucial element that will greatly determine the success of your business and that's why entrepreneurs, although they have good instincts about whether someone is right or not for the job, shouldn't just rely just on gut feelings. The recruitment decision should be founded on solid, objective factors.

Here are some things to help you avoid bad hiring decisions:

1. Assessing your company's culture

Before anything else, you need to know what your company needs in order to recruit the best people. Identify what type of individuals are fit and what mindset is needed in line with the company’s mission and values. 

2. Creating detailed job descriptions

You should have a clear idea of what employees are supposed to be doing. Each job descriptions must reflect the responsibilities, level of skills and experience required. During interviews, it is also essential to clearly communicate these job requirements to the candidates.

3. Preparing well-structured interviews

An evaluation scorecard will be helpful in grading and comparing the performance of candidates on a series of criteria. Inviting candidates to describe how they have handled specific challenges in previous positions will also help you in deciding.

4. Requiring a test

Requiring candidates to complete an assignment that requires the skills for which the person is being hired for is also one essential element. Asking a candidate to give a sales presentation if that's in their job description is simply reasonable.

5. Looking beyond the CV

Always remember that some of the best qualified candidates on paper may not be the best fit for the job. You should be asking more about the candidates' interests, ambitions, and priorities. If working for a big company with a big salary is their dream, you can conclude that they might have a hard time working for a small firm.

6. Asking for references

One of the best sources of information about candidates is by doing reference checks, although fewer businesses provide references about previous employees. Doing a bit of independent research by seeking out people who know or have worked with the candidate in the past will also help and it's always safer to take the time to verify references.

7. Welcoming them onboard

Research indicates that the retention rate of new employees can be increased by as much as 40% with a solid orientation program. Aside from patient training, you can pair the new employee with a more experienced staff who can mentor and coach the newbie during his or her early days in the workplace. 

Most importantly, when deciding to hire someone or not, make sure to document each step of the process and you have solid, objective, evidenced-based reasons.