I read a newsletter this morning from MarketingProfs entitled "When Silence Speaks Volumes" and it reminded me of two things - this cartoon and a bad hire I once made. One is funny and the other... well, was not so funny.

 

I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir but businesses live and breathe because of the people in the business. So hiring the right people should be at the top of the "I need to do this right" list. 

 

Long story short, the best advice I can give when evaluating a candidate for employment is to not shortcut checking for references. This blog is worth a read. It provides an interesting way to get to the truth. "... call each [reference] around lunch time or after hours. The point is to call at a time when the reference will not be in the office (not a typo)." This way you can get a feel for how someone really feels about a reference by whether they actually call you back or now. Clever! 

 

Andrea Moe

Product Management & Marketing 

 

 

P.S. Found this interesting? You may also find these free 45-minute online sessions from HR411 worth your time as well. Click here.