Executing a poor hiring decision can be stressful, counter-productive and ultimately affect your company’s bottom line. So how can you ensure you hire the right person for the job?

1 Look for commitment 

Loyal employees will grow with your business and constantly strive to achieve their best in the workplace. Check CVs for past role duration, and if switching jobs seems to be a consistent theme, consider it a warning sign.

2 Gauge their potential

A great candidate shouldn’t just have the skills you’re looking for – their personality type is also a crucial factor. Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills are often under-valued, however can be the difference between a good employee and a great one.

3 Scratch below the surface

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, it’s also a fitting phrase when filtering candidates. A professional appearance is important, but it’s not everything. Think outside the box and focus on the skills and value that each individual could bring to the role.

4 Test learning and analytical skills 

Resumes are a crucial part of the HR process, but need to be treated with caution. They are not the be all and end all and sometimes tell only part of a candidate’s story. Use different methodologies to assess skills and ensure your decision is based on a holistic approach.

5 Check they’re compatible

Company culture forms a large part of an organisation, so you need to ensure that new employees have the social skills to make an easy transition. Reference checks can also gauge a candidate’s compatibility, so don’t be shy about contacting former employers.

6 Ask the right questions

Consider questions that will dig a little deeper and give you an overall snapshot of your candidate. Exploring their motivations and future ambitions will help you understand how they ‘tick’ and give you a good indication of whether they’ll be a long-term asset to your business.

7 Get social

Analysing a candidate’s social media presence can be a great strategy for decision making. Viewing their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts will allow you to assess their online behaviour and attitudes in a ‘natural’ setting and give you an insight into their true personality (or at least their ability to show some sense with private profiles!).

Hiring new employees is, no doubt, a tricky business. So if you’re finding the whole process just a little too daunting, consider engaging a HR consulting service to help ease the burden. Companies like Chandler Macleod have a wealth of knowledge and experience and will ensure the right person is matched with the right job. After all, their business is to help your business!