How many times, as an HR
professional, you've made a decision, knowing in the back of your mind, it was not
the right decision? Hence the decision—yes—you paid the price for it too! I am
speaking of mistakes The
Business of HR that just simply should not be made. It’s called due
diligence, right?
Let
me give you an excellent example! I was working with a client building his
workforce, as his virtual human resource manager. He met a young lady in the
city where he lived and his company resided. So, he called me and says, “I met
this lady…..” He went on to say how
“Fired up” the candidate was and wanted me to hurry up and interview her as he
thought she would be excellent for one of the several positions we were
attempting to fill.
I
scheduled a teleconference with the candidate and yes, interviewed her. Did I
mention, my client’s words were she was “fired up” and perfect for the position?
Let’s just say “Fired Up” is putting it mildly. While my client spoke of the
woman being friendly, during our interview, the candidate was fired up,
aggressive and to an extent combative. This was during the virtual interview. I
prepared a memo to my client on my findings and my recommendations for NOT hiring the
woman. While I am sure the woman could be nice, she just was not a good fit for
the Company. In fact, she was too “fired up”. I took into consideration among
the actual interview process, I was never, ever able to reach any of her
references.
But
guess what…..? My client hired the woman anyway! I can’t tell you how difficult
the next year was for this client after he hired the candidate. Common mistakes
include:
1. Ignoring the Signs. Sometimes a candidate may be able to hide certain
characteristics during the interview process and onboarding. However, when you
see the signs, and ignore them, that’s different and totally avoidable. Do NOT ignore Red Flags!
2. Illuminating Reference
Checks. Check references! Do NOT illuminate reference checks. They are
essential to making an informed decision during the hiring process.
3. Carefully reviewing
skills and qualifications. Do NOT ignore a candidate’s skills just to fill a
position. Hind side is there is a difference between a candidate who is
trainable and lacks certain skills and a candidate that has skills and is NOT trainable.
4. Ignoring toxic
situations in the workplace in hopes of them going away. Toxic situations will NOT
go away by themselves. The earlier a situation is resolved, the better. Let me
say it again. Toxic situations do not go
away by themselves!
5. Asking employees to
make suggestions and not really being interested in what they have to say. As HR professionals, business owners, etc. we need the
contributions of our employees. When employees know they have a voice in their
workplace, it makes all the difference. Listen to your employees’ suggestions
and utilize the suggestions that are applicable. It will enhance the
organization BIG TIME!
See you soon!
April D. Halliburton, CEO
All-4-HR & Business Solutions
Webhome: http://www.all4hr.net
