By Kate Perrin and Patty DeDominic
It’s not enough to interview and find someone with the right skills─they also must have the right “fit” for the organization.
First, Interview Yourself
Every organization has its own corporate culture. When interviewing, take a look at your own company and ask yourself:
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Do we encourage initiative, or demand adherence to structure?
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Do we seek creativity or do we prefer an understanding of current traditions?
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What exactly do we need done and what tools must an applicant bring to do the job?
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If a candidate is looking for quick advancement, is that a possibility in your firm?
Someone who only works to the job description probably won't be happy in a company that is fluid and loose about structure. Someone who is bubbly and friendly may not fit well into a cubicle environment with little personal interaction or teamwork. These can be warnings of a poor match even though the person has the skills and experience to succeed. Just try not to make strict judgments and rule out people who could—and would want to—adapt.
Interviewing by Committee
Group interviews are like writing by committee—they are no-win situations. The supervisor doesn't develop a personal rapport with a group present and the applicant becomes confused about reporting lines. The important dynamic is between employee and supervisor and they need to meet in a private setting conducive to conversation.
An exception is the small open office where everyone works together as a team. In that case, the team is a single entity and should interview together.
If You Hire the Wrong Person After All
When it looks like, after all, that you've still hired the wrong person, ask yourself, "Can a little coaching or some extra guidance turn it around?" If the answer is no, don't keep trying to make it work or stalling to avoid an unpleasant conversation. It's creates an unhealthy atmosphere in the office, poor morale among other employees who see the situation, and keeps you and your organization from being efficient and successful.
Kate Perrin is the founder and president of PRofessionals, a public relations temporary placement firm in Washington, D.C. Patty DeDominic is the founder and owner of PDQ Career Group of Companies in Los Angeles. Patty is a past member of the SCORE Board of Directors.
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