Page 150 - Becoming a Successful Manager

Hiring the Right People 141

Discovery Lesson 1

Pick a position within your department and write down the job skills
and knowledge that you think are required to do this job well. Then
ask people in the department who occupy a similar position what skills
and knowledge they need to do their jobs well. Since they are so close
to the real task, they can tell you exactly what it requires. Be careful
not to include how they need to get it done, unless the skills are abso-
lutely required. Check your list of what you thought against the list of
requirements identifi ed by the workers, and modify your list if neces-
sary. Working from this detailed description of the job requirements,
compose several questions that would be appropriate to ask applicants

to determine if they possess the identified skills and qualities needed to
succeed in this job.
This might seem like a lot of busywork, but this discipline could
save you considerable difficulty, and money, in the long run. With more

competition in the job market it is even more important to know what
you need in a new hire. We’ve all heard that time is money, but many
managers don’t heed the implications of that expression. It sounds good,
but often it doesn’t change any behavior. As a new manager, you should
pay especially close attention to how you use your time and the time of
your employees.

Basic Steps to Good Hiring

Armed with a detailed, clear synopsis of what is required of a

candidate to fi ll a specified position, you’re ready to proceed, with
care, to the next step.