When hiring new staff, there are a number of things to consider: Their previous experience (what's on their resumé). How they present themselves in the interview(s). Some small businesses will even use various testing services to determine skill level, personality characteristics, etc.
I have a recommendation that will really help you during the hiring process:
Get in touch with the person's previous employer. Not by way of a letter, fax or email, but by direct phone contact. Ask the employer about this person's performance, ask about how they interacted with other employees, ask why did they leave the position. You may find out some things that are very different than what's on the resumé or was communicated in the interview. You may not always be able to get a hold of the person's previous employer, but make a real effort to do so. All too often, this person can tell you in a few short minutes more quality information than weeks of interviewing will provide.
Many small business owners hire people that interview well, that present a great appearance and demeanor and have a great-looking resumé. And all in all, that's certainly the way to go about it. But take one more step and talk with the previous employer (or employers). You may just save yourself a lot of potential heartache, time and money.
More helpful information on hiring can be found in The Small Business Success Manual, a book authored by yours truly.
Completely agree. I worked in recruitment for a while and I remember the professional interviewer that I personally interviewed. They were incredible at interviewing! But when it came to doing the work....mediocre. Its best to use a balanced approach to recruitment. Not just base on a resume or an interview. Some methods you described are great to increase the likeliness of making a good hire.
Posted by: Tim | 05/18/2008 at 09:19 PM