Hiring the right people for your startup is a crucial element for every successful company. It’s also one of the hardest. People tend to read someone’s abilities purely from their CV or academic history, only to find out that a person’s character consists of much more than just credentials and a seemingly good interview. In this blog we are going to check out three simple tests to make sure if someone is the right fit for you and your company.
The Teacher Test
With this test you are trying to find out if the applicant has taught you something during the interview. When discussing any issues they might face on the job, have they approached and considered it in a different way you would? Different perspectives create better outcomes and a successful Teacher Test is a good indicator.
The Research Test
Most people prepare quite well for a job interview, but the people that take it one step further are the people you want for your company. How dedicated were they to researching your company? This test is all about finding that out. What things are they supposed to know in your opinion?
The Feedback Test
This one will show you how well a person’s ego is developed. After the interview, give them feedback. Will they respond defensively? Not good. Are they eager and curious about what else they could’ve done better. Amazing. People that are hungry to improve will provide the same traits in their work ethics and ultimately, your company.
Besides these three tests, here are some other general tips you might want to implement into the hiring process:
- Showcase your company culture. Doing this gives you a nice occasion to introduce your company and see if they are genuinely attracted.
- Ask scenario based questions. Find out what their thinking patterns are like.
- Dedicate a good amount of effort into the onboarding process after employees are hired. Reflect with them on their experience. Make sure an employee is not only welcomed warmly but also professionally.
- Wait for your top candidate to come. A short term struggle is definitely worth the long term success after you’ve found the right person.
- Take-home assessments are a good tool to see how a candidate really thinks.
- Your potential candidate can be someone that already works for you
With these strategies and tips we hope to have given you some more insight into this difficult process. Character always beats credentials and this priority in picking your new employee helps you maintain a healthy team. Be patient, be mindful, be critical. Your next super star is waiting for you…
