Dynamic Business

It’s important to start by defining exactly what you want from a role: what must they do to justify their wage? So take a moment to identify the absolute imperatives the individual must perform to stay employed.
It is always better to search with a defined shopping list, otherwise you may choose something you don’t really need just because it caught our eye. The danger of course is you might like someone and warm to them, but if they don’t have the precise skills or experience you set out to hire, then they’re not the right person to hire.

Next, build a solid job description, complete with exactly what you want the person to do, required experience and education and the personal qualities you are looking for. Be strict as it helps consolidate the role in your mind. Sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to be distracted from these fundamentals when you are head down and running the show. Finally, establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other measurable criteria for them to be working towards.

Top tips to hire the right people

1.    Write down the absolute imperatives the person must perform (what must they do to be paid?)
2.    What is the required minimum experience?
3.    What is the required minimum skill set?
4.    What are the nice-to-haves?
5.    What personal qualities or core values will the new person have so they are culturally aligned?
6.    Define a clear job description with KPIs
7.    Define the benefits of the job
8.    Define the future of the position

Things to ask at the interview

• Why are you interviewing with us?
• What attracted you to this position? This company?
• What do you really want to do – paint a picture of your perfect job?
• Why did you leave your last position?
• Give me an example of a difficult situation you handled in your last position?
• Where will you be in 2/3 yrs time?
• What are the most important things you are looking for in your worklife?
• What is your salary expectation?
• What sort of environment do you want to work in?
• Are you planning on staying in Australia / or do you have travel plans?
• Have you looked at our website?

Great opportunity for trial
Probation periods offer both parties a chance to trial with an easy exit if expectations are not being met and things aren’t working well. Additionally, probation gives both parties a chance to succeed and to prove themselves.

In summary, after you’ve put together the job description, KPIs, conducted the interviews, examined the pros and cons and taken references, my advice ultimately has to be, go with your gut instinct. Like so many things in life, if it’s not right at the beginning, it is unlikely to be right after three-to-six months and the time will come when both of you have to cut your losses and move on. If you know your business well and have thought through in detail what you really need, chances are you’ll match the search.

—Sharon Williams is CEO of Taurus Marketing (www.taurusmarketing.com.au) and a member of the Dynamic Business Expert Panel.

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