best employee for my organization

QUESTION:

How Do I Ensure I'm Hiring the Best Employee For My Organization?

ANSWER:

In today's changing business environment, many HR recruiters look at this question and actually ask themselves "How Do I Ensure I'm Recruiting the Best Team Player for our Team?"

Selecting individuals to work in our organizations not only remains a critical function, but has increased in importance. The right kind of individual to an organization is necessary as they will provide skills, competencies and expertise which in many cases, requires them to work in team based organizations.

Given our environments are continually changing, obtaining clear job information understanding the scope and responsibilities of the job are important. This may include a job description, developing task lists, and feedback from other sources. Once this is complete, a profile of the person is helpful. Understanding what skills and competencies the person will need is important.

In our local area there are a number of very good resources available to many employers, however in the industrial sector, the recent plant closures and reductions we are experiencing have produced a number of qualified candidates to choose from. In reviewing incoming resumes, we then compare our critical list of requirements with what each candidate brings to the process. This can range from strict educational requirements (critical to technical positions) to past experience or in many cases can be a combination.

Conducting an interview can seem a lost easier than it really is, and a lot of the success is the result of investing time and effort in making them effective. The interview must be planned thoroughly: reread the application form before the candidate is seen, develop what questions you are going to ask and ensure that all relevant information is on hand for an interviewer to use. The interview process is used most frequently and is an area where candidates have the opportunity to display their level of motivation, interpersonal skills and demonstrated knowledge of the organization through research. The interviewer should have a uniform method of recording information and standardized questions to avoid distorting results.

In many cases more than one interview will be conducted, primarily with Human Resources and a reporting Manager. This second interview is an area where candidates can prepare themselves by thoroughly researching the company, the position and preparing information relevant to the position from their background.

Most organizations will conduct a series of tests as another method of assisting them in recruiting the best person. Based on job analysis data, performance simulation tests which are made up of actual job related behaviors are administered in written form. In addition, written tests are helpful in testing areas of cognitive abilities and ability to learn. There are many other assessment tools available to recruiters and depending on the type of position you are recruiting for, more than one form of testing may be required.

The last component to recruiting will include verification of references and information provided during the interview process. For candidates, reference letters submitted in the process should include factual job related information. Depending on the job the candidate is applying for, a standard list of references may not be useful.

When the various procedures are complete, all of the information received is reviewed by the interview group. This component of the process is very critical and in all cases the final determinant on which candidate will receive the offer of employment.

The recruiting process has expanded in recent years as we move some individualistic organizations to team based environments. For those organizations having an objective process which is consistent and fair to all candidates is important. For applicants a complete and comprehensive resume is critical emphasizing what they will bring to an organization, researching the company and position as well as the ability to present this information in various interview stages will be key to whether they are considered or not. Recruiting the right person at the right time will ensure you have attracted the best talent to your organization and as part of your team will quickly move you closer to achieving organizational goals.

Guest Author - Anna Oakes
HR Manager
Casco Inc.