Hiring the right person requires both art and science. No matter how many resumes you’ve seen and candidates you’ve interviewed, you never want to settle on someone who may not be the right fit for your team. It takes a unique combination of listening to your instincts and understanding the facts about someone to make the right hiring decision.

Beth Sunshine, the VP talent services at The Center for Sales Strategy, says companies can take a few steps to ensure they get the right mix of art and science in their hiring process. We outline her suggestions in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

Ask better questions. The right questions can help you not just understand a candidate’s background and experience, but also their passions and what excites them about the opportunity. Sunshine says if you need to hire someone who is a natural closer, you could ask something like, “How much do you like convincing people to do what you want them to do?” Their response can clue you into their natural ability to persuade people. Some other questions you could consider asking include:

  • What one skill makes you most qualified for this position?
  • What one skill would you like to improve and how do you plan to do so?
  • What excites you most about this position?
  • What do you like to do outside of work?

Book several interviews. When it comes to blending art and science in your hiring, it’s important to give yourself multiple opportunities to get to know the job candidates. Sunshine recommends scheduling faceto-face or video interviews and, if possible, meeting them for lunch or coffee so you can watch how they interact with and treat others.

Use a role-specific talent assessment. Sunshine says this helps you get a feel for candidates’ natural strengths and weaknesses. You can discern how well candidates may fit in with your organization and identify any potential leaders. While asking questions and meeting with job seekers brings in the art side of hiring, this step involves more of the science side.

It takes some finessing to find the right candidates for your team. Whether you’re seeking a new director or a junior sales rep, you’re doing your company and the candidates a disservice if you approach the hiring process haphazardly. By considering the points above, you can take holistic approach to hiring and increase your chances of finding the right fit.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Beth Sunshine is a partner and the VP talent services at The Center for Sales Strategy.