The Experts

You’re right. It’s a bit like finding and starting a new relationship – finding the right person makes a difference and committing to the wrong one can be a nightmare.

In business it all boils down to having a really good recruiting and hiring system. It takes time and effort, but so does patching up mistakes and getting rid of a wrong hire. Better to spend it at the front end of the process where you can be positive, than at the other end where you will be annoyed and frustrated.

I have two key pieces of advice. The first is take your time and never hire out of desperation or urgency. This is when you overlook or ignore the little warning signals, telling yourself they are only minor and won’t really make any difference, and that you’ll be able to address them later on. Wrong.

The second is to interview for qualities. Once you have determined your required skill and experience levels, set down a list of the qualities you want in this employee. Think back to the best you have had and write down the qualities that made them so good.  Then interview for these.

Depending on the position, some qualities are likely to be enthusiasm, strong work ethic, willingness to learn, attention to detail, team spirit, attitude and a whole swag more.