Seven Tips for Hiring the Right Employee

(Originally posted on LinkedIn)

When bringing new team members onboard, it's a very exciting time. It means new faces, fresh ideas and more expertise with the goal of a very productive outcome! This will only happen by hiring the right person. Here are seven tips to ensure you make the best choice:

1) Ask yourself: What type of person would take your team to the next level?

Ask yourself this question and be very honest about the answers. You deserve to have a phenomenal group of people who excel and thrive working for you! Once you know what's very important to you, gear your interview questions toward that.

2) Trust your gut

This may seem cliche, but your gut is never wrong. You'll typically know within minutes if your instincts are saying yes or no. Don't ignore them!

3) Evaluate longevity

Looking at someone's longevity at current and past organizations is a big clue into how committed they'll be to you.

4) Get AT LEAST two recent references

You'll want to hear from a recent direct supervisor and peer at the very least. Ask detailed questions surrounding both their personality and skillset. To lessen the chance of fraud, we highly recommend reference companies like Crosschq. (www.crosschq.com).

5) Check out their Linkedin

Do they have a negative or positive online presence? Does their profile match their resume? Do they have recommendations?

6) Have them take behavioral and technical assessments

People can really do a great job of 'talking the talk', but can they 'walk the walk'? Though testing isn't always a fully accurate portrayal of a person, it helps!

7) Get second, third, and fourth opinions

As this person is going to be working alongside your team, it's important for them to weigh in. Include your team in the interview process and ask for their feedback before presenting an offer. They may catch something you've missed!