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People can be the greatest asset for any business but the wrong people in the wrong jobs can be a burden that weighs your business down. From my experience in helping businesses grow through people, here are my top tips for hiring successfully to ensure you get the right people on board!

Tip #1. Be a good employer.
Be the business people want to work for. It’s amazing how good news spreads. The best way to find good people is to have good people say good things about you. That way good people come to you.

Tip #2. Know what you are looking for and why.
It’s not just about filling a job, it’s about finding someone who can add value to your team. So what are you looking for? Why does the job exist and who is the best person to fill that role? What type of skills do they have. What type of personality works best in your business?

Tip #3. Know where to find the right people.
Where do job seekers go when they are looking for a job? Who do they talk to? Chances are they will go to SEEK with over 2.8M visitors and 150K job ads per month! But don’t forget Linked In, and other Job Boards. Facebook, word of mouth referrals, recommendations from staff and business networks are all great sources.

Tip #4. Communicate your expectations early.
A well prepared job description prepared before you go to market will return its value many times over. Covering Purpose, Responsibilities and Key Results as well as the Personal Profile, a well constructed job description is the cornerstone of your advertising, interviewing and on-boarding campaign.

Tip #5. Conduct an effective interview process.
Be prepared. A well-structured interview will help bring out the best in your candidates and show your business in the best light. Prepare your questions in advance and focus on the key selection critieria you have already identified. Always interview with someone else so you can listen and observe as well. And ask open questions. Behavioural interviewing means asking the candidate for examples of how they have worked in the past.

Tip #6. Invest in the first 100 days.
Don’t take a set and forget approach. The first three months in any job are the most critical to both employer and employee. Take a structured approach to orientation and induction. Mapping out the 3 month plan and key milestones you want them to achieve will have a massive impact on productivity.

Tip #7. Provide regular and honest feedback, as well as training.
Otherwise known as performance management – feedback and training are the key to getting the best out of your people. Provide regular, structured as well as impromptu feedback and implement an annual training plan to develop growth in the job.

Warren Howard is Director of Howardco Business + HR Solutions, Executive Coach, HR Consultant and Employee Engagement specialist.

For a complimentary 30 point checklist “How to Find Your Ideal Candidate” email info@howardco.com.au. For other enquiries call Warren on 0417 594 760 or visit www.howardco.com.au