Finding the right candidate can be a difficult task for small business. Once you have advertised and short listed applicants, Kristy-Lee Johnston of Footprint Recruitment explains the next step is meeting people and beginning the interviewing process. Regardless of the employment type you are after, Kristy-Lee believes it is important to meet candidates in person, as it is a way to decide what competencies and skills the person can provide that you need.
“If you use a contractor or an outsource provider I’d also go through this process, even if it’s a Skype interview or a phone interview if they’re not local, because you need to get to know these people, they’re going to be doing work for your business, they’re going to be ultimately, in some capacity, representing your brand or doing work that is going to represent your brand.”
A helpful way to carry out interviews is by compiling an interview guide, which can consist of a checklist based on behaviour and attitudes in order to compare candidates.
“Understand what you’re interviewing for, so again go back to your analysis and understand that really clearly.”
Knowing in your mind as a business owner what you expect of the candidate you’re interviewing is key to finding what you are looking for. Make sure, as Kristy-Lee explains, that you know the role you are looking to fulfill and that you are consistent within the whole process.
“You’ve gone through the process and you go, “Yep, I’ve found the appropriate contractor that I need,” or, “I’ve found a great employee,” the next step is to make an offer or engage them in your business.”
During the induction process, first impressions are critical, Kristy-Lee states.
“It’s your one opportunity to really get someone engaged and excited about whatever task you want them to do in your business, and really that engagement in that induction process is critical to making sure they’re up to speed quickly.”
Kristy-Lee presents the Hire, Contract or Outsource? Course, which looks at Practical ways to grow and manage your small business team. Learn more about Kristy-Lee, here.
