You're looking to add a new member to your team. The search begins, and you find a few candidates that seem like they could be good fits. But then you start to wonder: is it really necessary to hire someone who is just like the existing members of your team?
The answer is no. In fact, hiring someone who is a clone of your current team members can actually lead to problems down the road.
Research has shown time and time again that one of the keys to successful team performance is diversity - in terms of both skills and personality. So why do so many organizations still hire based on the "fit" with existing team members?
The answer, unfortunately, is often biased. Whether it's conscious or unconscious, we are all prone to hiring people who are like us, which can lead to an unhealthy homogeneity within an organization.
So how can you fight this tendency and ensure that you're hiring the best possible candidates, regardless of whether or not they fit the mold of your existing team? Check out our Tuesday Tips for some ideas!
We've all been there. You've found the perfect candidate for the job, but they just don't quite fit in with the company culture. It's tempting to write them off and move on to the next applicant, but is that really the best decision for your business? In today's Tuesday's Tips, we're going to discuss how to hire the right person even if they're not the right "fit."
1. Create a blind hiring process. As tempting as it is to check out a candidate's Linked In profile or Facebook page, ensure that your process is fair starts with removing access to certain information about candidates. Try removing identifying markers from resumes before reviewing or passing them on to hiring managers.
2. Review your application process. What do candidates experience when they apply to your organization? Try conducting a "secret shopper" experience and follow the entire process from start to finish. Was the hiring process inviting or a turn-off? Is it unbiased or do you have some hurdles to overcome?
3. Evaluate the role and team the new hire will be a part of. What skills are necessary to be successful in the role and on the team? Is there a gap you could potentially fill with a new person? How does the manager lead and how will that impact the person in the role? The more knowledge you have about the people the new hire will be working with, the better decisions you can make to ensure a great fit and a smooth transition into the role.
It's not always easy to find the right person for the job, but it's worth taking the time to find someone who will be a good fit for your company culture and challenge your team to grow. At Purpose HQ, we specialize in helping organizations hire right the first time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect candidate for your next open position.
