10 ways to hire the wrong employees

Here’s how to hire the wrong person every time, guaranteed:

1. You only recruit when you have an immediate need, so you don’t have a list of pre-screened candidates to call. You’re in desperation hiring mode, and feel pressured to hire the first warm body that walks in the door.

2. Your recruiting ads attract people who are looking for a job—any job—rather than people who really want to do the job you’re offering.

3. You haven’t identified the particular capacities (mental and physical), attitudes, personality traits, and skills the person needs to be successful on the job (also known as CAPS). You can’t hit the target unless you know what it looks like.

4. You don’t ask your employees, vendors, business network, family, or friends if they know anyone who would be a good fit for the job. Referrals are the best source of new employees.

5. You don’t pre-screen applicants by phone to ensure they meet your minimum hiring requirements. (They have reliable transportation, are willing to work the hours needed for what you are willing to pay, etc.) This is a guaranteed way to waste time in interviews with unsuitable applicants.