July 26

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10 Signs To Look Out For When Hiring The Right Person

In the last article, we talked about the Top 7 Red Flags When Hiring. But how do you know if they’re the right one?

Here’s a checklist for you – a scorecard, if you will – to know if you’re hiring the right applicant:

1.They followed your application instructions

Within 2xYou, we make sure we have “Easter eggs” laying around in our job post to make sure that people are reading through it.

Whether it’s mentioning something in the subject line or making sure they submit the skills test within 48 hours, these are all filters that if they follow, show that they have attention to detail and they’re engaged.

While you definitely don’t want “Yes” People, being able to read through a job post or follow through on a deadline is one of the signs of a good hire.

2. Shares your business values

Before hiring anyone, one of the essential things I advise our clients is creating a set of values for their company.

What does a perfect hire look like? What kind of people do you need to succeed?

Whether it’s someone who’s creative, curious, or passionate, having a score card to measure possible applicants against makes it easier to know if they’re the right pick.

3. Their career goals align with your business goals

One of the lines in our company is “To benefit each other as long as our paths cross”

This means that while this new hire might not be in the company forever, as long as being in each other’s paths makes sense, we can grow.

If an applicant is planning to get a master’s degree next year and you’re hoping that they stay for 3 years, then it’s not a good fit.

However, if their goal is to be able to master marketing and you’re offering them a marketing assistant position for example, then this is a person is a better fit.

4. Researched your business

Whenever I’m doing an interview with someone and their eyes widen in panic when I ask,

“What do you know about the company or our client?”

I know immediately they’re not a right fit.

Someone who doesn’t prepare ahead for an interview is someone who won’t work out in the long run.

But a person who takes the time to do research, asks the hiring manager for more information, or even asks you for more details about your company during the interview shows that they’re willing to look things up and double check before committing or submitting a finished work.

5. Follows up

I’ve found that those who follow up on their application are typically going to be the people who can follow up deadline, or are willing to ask for help when they’re stuck.

This also shows that they’re really interested, and brave enough to get an update, even if it might not be the update they’re looking for.

6. Enthusiastic about the job

How do you know if someone is enthusiastic about the job?

They’re doing most of the things I’ve mentioned above.

This could also be in the way they talk to you, how fast they respond, or how forthcoming they are with information that will help you decide if they’re the right hire.

7. The interview has a good flow

Interviews are usually terrifying for an applicant. Which often means that the interview feels one sided, and filled with silences.

A good applicant, or one who could be a good hire, is someone you have a good rapport with.

It feels like a good back and forth, and soon it doesn’t even feel like an interview, just a conversation with someone new.

This could be finding a common ground, or that they’re someone who did they research and is curious to know more about what you do.

8. Good communicator

When you can’t look over their shoulder to see what they’re working on or see how their face scrunches up when they’re struggling with something, being a good communicator goes a long way when working remotely.

Like any physical business, there will be things that will break down or just go wrong.

Having someone who is a good communicator, who knows how to listen, give feedback, or help expound on ideas is a gem.

9. Willing to learn

Whether you’re hiring an expert or someone who is a beginner, having a growth mindset is invaluable. Especially if they’re someone who is into self development.

How do you know if someone is willing to learn?

You ask “What was the last skill you learned?” Or “What is a skill you’ve always wanted to learn more about and what have you done to learn it?”

These will give you a good idea on how they usually approach learning something new, or if they’re someone who knows the value of always learning.

10. Good teamwork or leadership skills

It doesn’t matter if they’re your 1st hire or your 50th – a person who can be a team player and a good leader can only boost your business.

The essential factor to keep in mind when asking for references is don’t just ask for a recommendation from their boss – talk to someone they were on the same level on at work, or even better, someone who worked underneath them.

This way you can know from the different levels how the applicant treats people depending on their position.

Choosing the right person for your business definitely isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it does get easier the more that you know what signs to look for.

Make sure the SHARE this with other business owners like yourself, or even share this with friends who are looking for jobs so they know what they can do!


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