Who Should You Hire?

Have you ever been a dilemma of not knowing who to hire to work for you? You do not have to be the CEO of a big corporation before you can hire someone. You can also be involved in hiring while in the comforts of your home – maids, child minders, gardeners, drivers, tutors, etc.

2. So, how do you go about doing it? Normally, people go by resumes and background checks. References and reputation by word-of-mouth can also play a part. For most, the crucial factors that swing an appointment in favour of an individual is his experience, skills and capabilities. Indeed, it is these factors that will make him unique.

3. However, these alone are not sufficient to make support the hiring decision. To me, the attitude of a candidate is as important as his competency and capability. Without the right attitude, the hire will have problems to fit in the organisation. It does not mean he cannot change his attitude after he gets the job but it will certainly mean a longer adjustment period.

4. The attitude of a person often goes hand-in-hand with his personality. In jobs that require a lot of people-to-people intervention, it is definitely not a good idea to employ those who are introverts or pessimistic types who can hardly manage a smile even on a good day. Similarly, jobs that involve dealing with children, the elderly and the sick need warm personalities.

5. My boss once asked me, "Who would you rather employ – a highly capable person or a faithful follower?" I chose a highly capable person, which he disagreed with vehemently. Looking back, I realised that neither of us were wrong. It really depends on your style of leadership and the nature of the job.

6. For a person who wants to get the job done in the fastest and most effective way, the choice is for the highly capable candidate. For the boss who wants to ensure that things will go systematically in accordance with his plan, he will want a faithful worker, who will diligently carry out orders as directed.

7. People have become central in successful businesses today, making hiring an important aspect as it builds human capital. It is crucial for us to remember that outcomes are highly impacted by the act of hiring.