June 22, 2017
Hiring for work ethic almost always trumps hiring for knowledge. Here at Webconnex we are a well oiled machine. We are small, tidy, and ready for action. Are we perfect? Nope. Do we do amazing things for such a small team? You betcha! Looking at how we’ve hired, and observing some of the most revered companies in the world, I’ve noticed consistencies on the most important traits to hire off of. Ultimately it almost always comes down to heart and ethics.Here are a few things to keep in mind when hiring.
For MOST roles hiring for heart is better than knowledge. There are a few exceptions to this rule such as highly technical roles that rely on a specific skill set.. However, for most roles you will win more in the long run by hiring for someone’s work ethic, cultural compatibility, and future goals. Key points::
You will see greater rewards in your long term team goals if you take a hit on the on-boarding upfront than if you hire someone a bit more experienced only to find months later they don’t work well with your team. This isn’t to say you can’t find a candidate that possesses both. We have found at Webconnex that if we hire for work ethic first, and skill set second, we get a better return in the long run. Key points:
The perfect person doesn’t exist, but amazing ones do! If your team is prepped with a great on-boarding experience, and good teaching tactics, you can get an amazing hire to become a perfect fit for your culture. No one will be that perfect fit before stepping through your doors. Don’t let little hiccups here and there keep you from missing a great future team member. Key point:
If you have a team of 15 people in the department of the open position, then loop a few members in. It helps make a great hire by including some of your team.We have learned a second pair of eyes can catch things the other might have missed and always for the better. Does your team get any gut checks, or does everything seem great? Remember to use the wisdom of your team, they have already sat in the new hire’s shoes. Key Points:
Hiring can be an exhausting journey, but if you remember to hire for their ethics, and not for an ideal skill set that could be taught through on-boarding, chances are you’ll come out ahead in the end.