By: Jason Files, Regional Vice President at SnapDragon Associates, LLC
Hiring the Good Character
You have made the decision that you need to hire someone for an important role at your company. Of course you need this candidate to have related experience; however, how do you make an informed decision regarding the moral character of your new hire? I would always advise a client to conduct background checks, check references, and administer personality profile tests; although, each one of these steps has flaws that can be exploited by an immoral candidate.
I have interviewed hundreds if not thousands of candidates over the years. Year after year, I have been burned by immoral candidates. This year, I have seen my fair share of those with poor character; however, by changing my own thinking, I have been able to identify potential flaws much faster. The technique that I now utilize is my own Red Flag Policy. I admit the policy has its own flaws; however, you can tailor the policy to fit your own needs.
The Red Flag- Always assume that each candidate has the strongest moral fiber. Every candidate comes with a clean slate and great character that is not questioned. Those with poor moral fiber will expose their own flaws on their own. Once the flaw in character is evident, I immediately move on to the next candidate. Yes, one Red Flag and he or she is out.
So what constitutes a red flag to me?
The good news is that there are still good people out there. There are people that are honest, respectful, hard working, loyal, and professional. They do not allow for their character to be put into question. They will give you the honest answer, not the answer you want to hear. They will be honest with the good news and the bad news. Rather than dwell on the problems, these are the candidates that offer assistance or solutions.
Remember, always assume the best in a candidate, and wait for them to prove you right or wrong..
Hiring the Good Character
You have made the decision that you need to hire someone for an important role at your company. Of course you need this candidate to have related experience; however, how do you make an informed decision regarding the moral character of your new hire? I would always advise a client to conduct background checks, check references, and administer personality profile tests; although, each one of these steps has flaws that can be exploited by an immoral candidate.
I have interviewed hundreds if not thousands of candidates over the years. Year after year, I have been burned by immoral candidates. This year, I have seen my fair share of those with poor character; however, by changing my own thinking, I have been able to identify potential flaws much faster. The technique that I now utilize is my own Red Flag Policy. I admit the policy has its own flaws; however, you can tailor the policy to fit your own needs.
The Red Flag- Always assume that each candidate has the strongest moral fiber. Every candidate comes with a clean slate and great character that is not questioned. Those with poor moral fiber will expose their own flaws on their own. Once the flaw in character is evident, I immediately move on to the next candidate. Yes, one Red Flag and he or she is out.
So what constitutes a red flag to me?
- Communication Problems. If a candidate does not return phone calls in a timely manner, he or she is not that interested in the position. Even with an emergency, if the candidate wants the job bad enough, he or she will have the common courtesy to return your call.
- Refusal to Complete a Background Screen. This is a huge red flag. Don’t even wonder what you might find on the background check. Immediately move on.
- Unreal Expectations. Counter offers are normal; however, candidates that ask for a concession on each and every benefit that you offer could be looking to counter their own current position with the leverage you have provided.
- Job History. Being fired multiple times is an issue. Every candidate in this situation has a rehearsed answer to the past 3 jobs that they have been fired from. Move on, there are others out there that will not have the same issues.
The good news is that there are still good people out there. There are people that are honest, respectful, hard working, loyal, and professional. They do not allow for their character to be put into question. They will give you the honest answer, not the answer you want to hear. They will be honest with the good news and the bad news. Rather than dwell on the problems, these are the candidates that offer assistance or solutions.
Remember, always assume the best in a candidate, and wait for them to prove you right or wrong..