Avoid 2 Fast Growth Hiring Mistakes

Greetings!

Fast growth requires fast decision making. Yet, don't get caught in the trap of making hasty decisions when it comes to hiring.

Read on for tips on how to avoid hiring mistakes when you need results fast.

- Ann Clifford, President

Dos & Don'ts

"If an employee quits with a two week notice, do you have to employ them for the next two weeks?"

(Answer provided at the end of the newsletter.)

Two Hiring Mistakes Made in Fast Growth

Fast growth often requires hiring quickly. Yet, quick hiring may result in compromised results if you are not careful. Avoid hiring mistakes by adhering to the following two best practices.

Don't take short cuts! Follow a defined hiring process, set clear job criteria, and conduct thorough due diligence on your final candidates.

Don't settle! Source for the best candidates that fit the job. Expand your candidate pool beyond your personal network.

Hiring the best talent who can ramp up quickly to achieve your desired results. With limited time for training, you may also need to pay more for experienced candidates.

I Quit!

An ideal time to review job requirements is when an employee quits. Rather than immediately filling the same position with the same type of person, step back and determine what you really need and want in this role. Chances are the position has evolved over time. Consider the following:

What are the top five functions of the position that need to be accomplished on a routine basis?
What were the pros and cons of the previous position and employee?
What skills and experience are needed now based on your current business situation?

Create a "new" position that truly meets your needs. Modify the job description if necessary and incorporate assessments to define the behaviors conducive for best performance.

Safari Interview Tip

When interviewing a candidate who was recently laid off from their previous employer, ask this question, "Were there others laid off and can you tell me why you believe you were selected to be let go?" Based on the candidate's response, you may determine that their performance was a contributing factor.

Answer to Today's Dos & Don'ts

"If an employee quits with a two week notice, do you need to honor the two week notice?"

There are no laws requiring an employer to honor an employee's two-week resignation notice. An employer is free to accept an employee's resignation and make it effective immediately. Yet, depending on the position and quality of the employee relationship, you may want to honor the notice. This promotes goodwill and gives you more time to hire a replacement. If the situation warrants immediate release, you may do so, yet you may want to pay the employee for the two week period to avoid a possible unemployment claim.