Smart Hires Manchester CT
Smart Hires
Source: REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR Magazine
Publication date: January 1, 2007
By Bob Losyck
You've heard that it's hard to find good employees. Guess what? That's more than a cliché. Good people are harder to find because there are fewer people entering the workforce these days.
That means preventing costly turnover should be your highest priority. To help do that, make yourself proficient at interviewing and hiring. Here are some tips for making smarter hiring decisions:
Check applications. Thoroughly check for lack of information, inconsistencies, or phony companies.
Check references. Ask candidates for the name of the managers or owners they directly worked for or reported to. Get written authorization to call them. Have the candidate call the references so you can talk with them.
Create a warm inquiry system. Talk with employees who will be screening calls or greeting walk-in candidates about how you want inquiries handled. You don't want to lose a candidate due to lack of knowledge or rudeness.
Pre-screen by phone. To save time, have your staff pre-screen people by asking certain “knockout questions” designed to eliminate unqualified candidates.
Create the atmosphere. A favorable interview climate is important. The room should be comfortable, quiet, and free from interruptions.
Explain the process. Tell candidates that you are going to ask the questions for the majority of the interview and that they will have an opportunity.