Archive for September, 2010
Don’t Ask Everyone The Same Interview Questions
Posted by: | CommentsDon’t Ask Every Candidate The Same Questions
Just recently I ran across a white paper that listed the top 100 questions you should ask a sales candidate. In the intro, it was suggested to use these as the standard questions asked of every candidate. The reasoning was this approach empowers you to compare candidates.This is a prime example of advice that has been around for years that is not effective. Let me explain.
On the surface it seems logical if you ask everyone the same questions you can compare answers. The problem is if you ask everyone the same questions, by definition, the questions need to be general generic questions. As a result, you get general, generic answers that do little to predict success on the job. Read More→
Hire Fast – Fire Fast
Posted by: | CommentsJust because an idea has been around for a long time does not make it right. There are very few aspects of the business world that have more myths than the subject of hiring employees.
For more than 35 years I have been studying the subject and teaching companies how to hire top employees. I try to read most everything that is being written. Some from experts. Some from amateurs. Some from practitioners.
Some of what I have read adds real value. Some is interesting but not actually effective. And some is just plain wrong.
This past weekend I was reading the Inc 500 report and in the middle of the report was a page titled, “Words of Wisdom”. It had 10 ideas put forth by CEO’s from the list. And at number 4 was the phrase I have railed against for years.
“Hire Slow, Fire Fast”
Just so we can limit the conversation, I have no problem with the second half of the phrase. Fire fast is good advice. However, the better job you do of hiring the less likely you will face the problem of firing.
It is the first half of the phrase I have the problem with.
