July

Hiring the right person for the right job is one of a manager’s many challenges. Here are some key steps to launch the hiring process.

1. If this is an unexpected vacancy, don’t panic. Realign responsibilities or get temporary help to carry out essential tasks until the position is filled.
   
2. Set a realistic timeframe for filling the position based on your organization’s needs and resources, the job market, and the number of people involved in the hiring process.
   
3. Review and, if appropriate, rewrite the job description. Be sure to include specific skill, knowledge, and experience/education expectations, as well as specific tasks the candidate will be required to perform.
   
4. Use your network to let others know what you’re looking for.
   
5. Make sure that your job advertising is clear, specific, and simple to weed out inappropriate candidates.
   
6. Categorize responses in a way that makes sense. YES/ NO/MAYBE is sufficient.
   
7. Confirm your categorization by screening candidates as you set up interview appointments. A simple discussion of such issues as geographic location, work hours, and general salary range at this point can save you and the candidate time and energy.
   
8. If you don’t have the time or the expertise to search for candidates, and you do have money in your budget to cover the expense, consider hiring a consultant.

Look for more solutions to the hiring challenge next month.