Are the hiring decision makers at your company on the same page?

Do the hiring decision makers agree?

Red Seat has helped small businesses hire thousands of employees in our 20 years in business.  We have found time and again that it is critically important that all key decision makers are in agreement on the position BEFORE starting to hire.

Decision makers need to be in agreement on multiple attributes of the role such as duties and objectives, the targeted background and education of the prospective new employee, decision-making accountability in the job, the reporting structure, salary/bonus/perks and key personality characteristics. 

We recently worked with a client on a sales position.  The company’s goal was to hire a strong sales hunter, and their long-range plan was to groom the salesperson into a Sales Manager.  As we dug into the criteria and skill set the hiring company sought in their new employee, we found there were different viewpoints among the key decision makers about whether they wanted an employee to sell or someone to manage the team.  It was key to a successful hire to engage the leaders and decision makers in defining their needs and ensuring alignment across the leadership team.  When company leaders are not on the same page regarding the qualities and qualifications they seek, it is nearly impossible to agree on a candidate. 

As important as gaining agreement among the decision makers in the hiring process, is gaining buy-in from key team members.  This is a delicate undertaking, particularly in smaller companies where employees work closely with one another.  Team members appreciate the opportunity to interview and approve a new hire, and this meeting is also a selling point to new hires:  Team members can share with the prospect what they like about working for the company, and the interviewee can ask questions about the culture and position.  

As you and your company embark on finding a new employee, make sure to gain agreement across the leadership and co-working teams to ensure a shared vision on the new hire.