We are living in strange times.  We posted some internet ads and have received hundreds and hundreds of great resumes. Less than two years ago, there was a looming talent shortage of high level Executive Support Professionals!  If you don't like what is happening today, don't worry, it will change tomorrow.  This recent phenomenon of talent abundance, has made me think about how it all fits together and how does this impact our clients? How does it impact our candidates

Nothing is more important in today's world than to have the right employees or the right job!  There is a huge amount of time and money wasted in business and in life because companies hire the wrong person, or people take the wrong job!  The heartache of being out of work in today's economy is big. Reports state that it costs anywhere from 1-2 times annual salary to a company when an employee leaves or is terminated.   That is a lot of money these days!

Here are some tips for hiring the right person!

Next time, I will give tips on finding the right job.

Tips for Hiring the Right Person

1.       Spend time clearly assessing your needs for cross- functional skills, talent, and experience.

2.       Identify both immediate needs as well as the likely needs for the next five+ years.

3.       Identify the qualities, traits and values of your top performers and include those requirements in your spec sheet

4.       Interview with behavioral-based questions which will illuminate previous use of needed skills and talent.

5.       Understand a candidate's current priorities relative to work; make sure they are compatible with your needs.

6.       Take a long time making a decision; have team interviews; get team feedback.

7.       Don't have everyone involved with the hiring decision, but do consider carefully the input and feedback.

8.       Do in depth and "back door" references. Ask questions related to your needs.  Be specific.

9.       Don't "low-ball" a salary offer because of the economy.  It may cause a hire to leave as soon as things get better.  Offer fair compensation.

10.    Stay in close communication with a new hire, give clear direction; offer support 

 Great employees are still hard to find; regardless of the unemployment statistics.  Once you find one, work as hard on keeping them as you did on finding them!