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Many factors can contribute to an unsuccessful hire. But, by following these simple steps, information technology managers can reduce the chances of making a poor decision.
Also See:
Recruiting IT Staff: How To Assess Your Needs
How To Attract Qualified IT Candidates
Question:
When it comes to hiring for my IT department, I keep striking out. There are several positions I need to fill immediately, but I am having difficulty finding the right people. Whenever I come across someone I think might be a good fit, I move quickly, but I often later regret the hire. It either takes too long for the employee to get up to speed, or the relationship ends up being short-lived. What am I doing wrong?
Katherine Spencer Lee responds:
Obviously, many factors can contribute to making a successful hire. Without knowing the specifics of your IT department and its staffing needs, it sounds as if your eagerness to fill vacancies within your team is causing you to make snap decisions when hiring. While no one wants to miss out on securing talented professionals due to a drawn-out hiring process, scrimping on the time and attention required for the task can result in choosing someone unfit for the position or your corporate culture.
Recognize that the process is a delicate balancing act: You must be thorough when evaluating potential hires but also be ready to move quickly once a promising candidate is identified.
Stop to assess the situation
When there is a vacancy in your IT department, immediately advertising the open position may seem like a logical move. But before you do, first analyze your current and projected staffing needs to determine if replacing the full-time employee is necessary at all. Through this process, you may discover that the responsibilities can be absorbed by existing staff; but do be wary of overburdening staff that are already stretched thin.
Also, don't forget that your current employees may be some of your best sources for talent. Not only can they provide you with quality referrals, but they also may be able to fill critical vacancies on your team themselves. Promoting your existing IT personnel has dual advantages: It motivates staff by demonstrating that outstanding performance is valued and rewarded, and it helps your company maintain productivity since these professionals are already familiar with protocol and can start contributing in a new role quickly.
Next: Consider 'Unconventional' Options
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