Insomnia: April 2006

Community Comments

Hiring Keepers

By Georgene Waterman

Q I am a manager in a large nonprofit organization in Sacramento responsible for 15 employees, some with college degrees and some who are support staff. My duties include hiring and firing, but I don't seem to be doing a very good job of hiring, since I am learning after I hire someone that the person either doesn't have the skills and knowledge needed or doesn't fit into the culture of the team. My poor decisions are starting to affect the team. Is there any new information on how to interview potential employees that can make me more effective?

A The only competitive edge that a company can maintain today and into the future is the quality of its people. Hiring requires insight, skill, sound judgment, a planned process and some basic tools. You can improve your odds of hiring quality people if you follow some simple steps.       
     First, you must learn to source, a process of looking for quality employees before you need them. Most mistakes made in hiring are because we have an empty space, work that isn't being done, and we hire in haste to fill the space. Ongoing sourcing can be done in the various organizations in which you participate. If you don't belong to an organization in which people who enjoy working for nonprofits participate, you should join one.
     Another way to source is to get involved with colleges. Good relationships between businesses and colleges start with businesses providing internships or other learning experiences for students. This allows you to see how they might fit into your team and how they learn new things without actually having to hire them. These interns can be excellent candidates when you have a position. Build key contact relationships at the colleges and ask them who their best students are. Give the colleges what they want and they will usually give you well-trained, quality employees who fit into your team's culture. If you don't have a position open when the internship is complete, keep names and contact information for your next available position.
Continued...

• Share
  • Digg This
  • del.icio.us
  • Newsvine
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Furl It
  • !Y My Web
  • Google
• Email
• Print

Recommend This

Community Comments