Hiring the Known Candidate

So, job searches can take time and here's this neighbor/nephew/bank teller who you think has a lot on the ball. Should you just hire someone you know and get it over with?

Well .. maybe. If you've read my prior blogs you know the answer, "What is the job and what kind of person do you need to fill it?" Most companies, particularly in this economy can't afford to hire a great person just to get him or her on board. Before you hire anyone -- make sure you know what problem he or she will solve, what hole she or he will fill, and how well this person will fit with the current team.

Before any hire, start at the beginning ask all the questions you would ask before you write an ad, talk with staff and managers, sit and really think about the best use of this position and those salary dollars. Take the time to get a true understanding of the job and who you need in the position.

Then, if you think an in-house candidate or someone you know could do that job, work well with you or the department manager and be a good fit with your team, then show your target candidate the job description and ask if there is some interest in the position. If not, move on. You do not want to move a well-liked, successful employee into a position that isn't a good fit or isn't in the direction of his or her goals. If the new job doesn't work out for that person, you could have two positions to fill! Similarly, you don't want to damage a good personal relationship, or cause someone to leave a job for one that doesn't last because you pushed them into the wrong position.

Then, while you don't have to do a full search, I would suggest that you put this target candidate through the entire cover letter, resume, and interview process. Then, if it seems like a good move for all, offer her or him the job. This whole process can take a week or less -- two at the most -- and will certainly save you time and money - if you take the time at the start to determine what skills and attributes the best candidate needs to succeed. Remember, the goal is to Hire Well and Get it Right the First Time.