Every leader wants a stellar team working with them. But if you want to attract top talent, you need to be at the top of your game too. That means you need to offer strong leadership, excellent career opportunities, and a good compensation package.
Before you start the hiring process, take a moment to ask yourself what it is that you as an employer can offer. For example, how competitive is the salary? What incentives can you provide? Will you offer health insurance, travel allowances, or a pension scheme? Can you add in any extra perks such as gym membership, free lunches, or a generous annual leave policy?
Now ask yourself, honestly, what it is that you can offer as a leader. Will you be able to help them take on new challenges and gain more experience? Can you offer a good training programme, or pay for them to take professional qualifications? Can you help them fast-track their career progression with new responsibilities and a better job title?
And finally, consider what kind of company culture you offer. Is your office comfortable? Are your other employees friendly and welcoming? And is it a company where people love to work? All these things matter too and having a great vibe in the office can make all the difference.
Once you have figured all this out, the next important part of the hiring process is of course screening candidates. Make sure you have taken the time to create a detailed job description outlining all the key skills your future employee will need. Decide which skills are essential from the start, and which ones you can help your new employee develop along the way. Now rule out anyone who doesn’t meet the minimum criteria. This will save time and help you make sure that only the most suitable candidates are shortlisted.
When it comes to interviewing, you also want to make sure you have prepared everything ahead of the meeting. Here are a few top tips to help you make a great first impression:
- Choose a tidy, comfortable room for the interview
- Create a friendly seating arrangement that feels welcoming
- Be ready a few minutes before the meeting is due to start
- Offer some light refreshments when the candidate arrives
- Treat them in a friendly and respectful manner throughout
- Know what you want to ask and be concise
- Be supportive and encouraging during any skills-based assessments
- Give them the opportunity to ask questions about the company and the role
- Outline the career opportunities available and any formal training on offer
- Touch on the benefit package and any extra perks available
- Thank them for their time and let them know when you will provide feedback
These simple gestures will show candidates that you treat people well and that you value their time. It will also show them that you are a thoughtful and considerate manager who communicates well and who listens attentively to employees. This will reassure them that you are a good leader, and someone that they would enjoy working for.
When it comes to choosing which person to hire, you will of course want to assess their skills and past achievements. Reflect on how well the candidates communicated their goals, motivations, and experience. You will also want to assess their interpersonal skills. After all, these are just as essential as technical skills. Think about the personal characteristics they showed, and how at ease you felt in their company. Consider if the person would be a good fit for the team, personally and professionally. And finally, ask yourself – can you help them achieve what they want to achieve?
After all, finding talented employees is only the first step towards good leadership. Leadership is also about knowing how to develop that talent and empowering people to achieve their personal goals. If you can do this, not only will you attract the best colleagues, you will keep them.
Discover more helpful leadership articles and tips from Kent Riboe.