Everyone in HR knows new hires don’t always work out. But here are two experts who say managers choose the wrong person more often than most people think.
Managers only hire the right person about half the time, say Geoff Smart and Andy Street in their book WHO: Solve Your #1 Problem.
The good news: They say many bad decisions can be avoided.
While no manager will get it right every time, here’s a four-step process Smart and Street believe will lead to better hiring choices:
- Prepare — Before filling a position, managers should write a scorecard with specific skills the position needs. Having all the needed qualifications organized beforehand will help keep everyone involved in the process on the same page.
- Always look — Keeping an eye out for talent isn’t something to do only when there’s a job to fill. The authors say the search for potential employees should always be on a manager’s mind. That’s where good networking skills come into play.
- Interview — Smart and Street recommend a four-step interview process, beginning with a quick phone screen, moving to an in-person screen and a final round with the primary decision maker, and ending with in-depth reference checks.
- Personalize the sale — Convincing candidates the job is right for them requires some knowledge about the person. When managers try to make the sale, they should be aware of the candidate’s family needs, long-term goals, etc., and structure the offer accordingly.
