{Rivermate | How to Choose the People You Should Hire in Your Business

Career Development and Leadership

How to Choose the People You Should Hire in Your Business

Published on:

April 18, 2024

Written by:

Lucas Botzen

Key Takeaways:

  1. Explore online platforms to find candidates beyond traditional job ads. You should also ask your employees for referrals and attend networking events.

  2. You should adopt effective hiring practices. These include practical assessments and thorough reference checks to validate skills and background.

  3. Onboarding and ongoing management are crucial to ensure your new hires integrate smoothly.

When it comes to building a successful business, the people you hire play a crucial role. You want to bring in employees who not only have the right skills but also align with your company’s culture and long-term vision.

With the help of a good EOR, you can hire globally and expand your talent pool significantly. However, choosing the right candidates can be challenging. There are so many factors you need to consider during the hiring process.

So, here’s what you need to know about selecting the best people to help your business grow.

Where do you find the right people?

Finding the right candidates starts with knowing where to look. Today, there are numerous channels available to source talent. You can use online job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed.

You may also rely on specialized platforms like AngelList for startups or GitHub for developers.

Employee referrals can also be a goldmine. Your current team members often know people with the right skills and work ethic to thrive in your company.

Don’t just rely on traditional job ads. Consider networking events, industry conferences, or even internships. These can help you discover passionate individuals who are already invested in your field. By broadening your search, you increase your chances of finding candidates who fit your needs.

Evaluate candidates with role-specific tasks

The best way to gauge whether a candidate has the right skills is to see them in action. Incorporate tasks or assessments into your hiring process to evaluate technical skills early. For example, if you’re hiring a developer, assign a small coding exercise. If you’re looking for a project manager, consider a case study that simulates real-world scenarios.

Tools like HackerRank, Codility, or iMocha allow you to create assessments tailored to the role. This helps you confidently choose candidates who can handle the tasks they’ll face once hired.

Contact candidate references for deeper insights

While it’s easy to overlook references, they’re crucial for verifying what candidates claim on their resumes. More importantly, references offer firsthand insight into a candidate’s work ethic. They will also help you understand their problem-solving abilities and team dynamics. Make it a habit to contact a few references to gather details that can’t be found on a resume.

Remember, relying on gut feelings alone leaves room for error. Hard data, like feedback from past supervisors or colleagues, helps you make a fully informed decision.

Align hires with your company’s goals

When choosing the right people, you must consider how each candidate fits into your company’s culture and long-term vision. Before you even start interviewing, revisit your core values and objectives. Ask yourself if the candidates share those values and if they’re equipped to help you reach your goals.

A strong company culture attracts top talent and keeps employees motivated. During interviews, make sure candidates understand your culture so they can decide if they’re a good fit.

Write clear and detailed job descriptions

Your hiring process starts with a well-written job description. It’s your chance to set clear expectations for candidates. The job description is where you should outline the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. A good job description should include:

  • Job title: A short, descriptive title (e.g., Content Writer, Budget Analyst).

  • Job purpose: An overview of the role and its importance to the team.

  • Duties and responsibilities: A breakdown of the key tasks the role entails.

  • Required qualifications: The essential skills, experience, and education needed.

  • Preferred qualifications: Additional skills that are nice to have.

  • Working conditions: Physical demands or special requirements.

With a comprehensive job description, you increase your chances of attracting top candidates. A good job description will help you find the talent who is the right fit for your business.

Conduct thorough and structured interviews

Interviews aren’t just about getting to know candidates; they’re a critical opportunity to identify your next best hire. Plan comprehensive interviews using a detailed evaluation form. You'll want to compare candidates based on specific criteria.

Behavioral-based interviewing can also be highly effective. This approach focuses on how candidates handled similar situations in the past. It can help you predict their future behavior.

For example, you might ask, “Can you describe a time when you had to motivate your team during a challenging project?” instead of simply asking about strengths and weaknesses. This way, you’ll get a clearer picture of how they approach real-life challenges.

Onboarding and good management are crucial

Finding the right employee is just the first step. To truly make the most of your new hire, you need a solid onboarding process and ongoing management. Effective onboarding helps new employees integrate quickly. It also helps them understand their responsibilities and align with your company culture. It’s essential for setting the stage for long-term success.

Good management, on the other hand, ensures employees continue to grow and stay engaged. Regular feedback, clear communication, and development opportunities are key factors. These can help you to keep your team motivated and on the right track.

Hiring the right employees is a process

Hiring the right employees is an investment in your company’s future. You need to evaluate candidates through practical tasks and checking their references. You also want to align new hires with your company’s culture.

By crafting clear job descriptions, conducting insightful interviews, and ensuring a strong onboarding, you’ll be better equipped to find the best fit for your team. Remember, a thorough and thoughtful hiring process can save you time, money, and stress down the road—so take the time to get it right.

FAQ

Why should I ask candidates to complete a task during the hiring process?

Asking candidates to complete a task helps you assess their technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a real-world context. It will give you more confidence in their abilities.

How can I find the right candidates for my business?

Expand your search beyond traditional job boards. Consider employee referrals, specialized platforms, and networking events. These will help you reach candidates with the right skills and passion for your business.

Why is onboarding important after hiring the right candidate?

Onboarding helps new hires quickly integrate into your company. It helps them understand their responsibilities and connect with your team. It will also help ensure a smoother transition and better long-term success.

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