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Published 29 August 2023 | 2 min read
Setting up for smarter hiring
Hiring new employees is a critical task for any small business. The wrong hire can be costly and disruptive, while the right hire can help your business grow and succeed.
In this article, we'll look at three common hiring mistakes that NZ small businesses make. We'll also provide tips on how to avoid these mistakes and make better hiring decisions.
Mistake 1: Not having an interview plan
The single biggest hiring mistake small business owners make is winging it or not having an interview plan. At best they'll have a few questions written down on a piece of paper, but little else.
But interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice to get good at it. If you don't have a plan, you're more likely to make mistakes, such as:
- Asking irrelevant or poorly-worded questions
- Not getting the information you need to make a good hiring decision
- Not being able to compare candidates to each other
To avoid these mistakes, it's important to have an interview plan. This plan should include:
- A list of questions that you want to ask each candidate
- A scoring system for evaluating candidates' answers
- A way to compare candidates to each other
We know, time is scarce, and you've got a business to run. But here's the thing – interviews need structure.
Mistake 2: Overvaluing experience
Another common hiring mistake is overvaluing experience. While experience is important, it's not the only factor that matters.
A candidate with limited experience but a strong aptitude and work ethic can be just as valuable as a candidate with a lot of experience.
The best way to assess a candidate's skills and abilities is to ask them questions about their past experiences and how they would approach specific challenges.
Mistake 3: Assuming the hiring process ends once they're hired
The hiring process doesn't end once you've made an offer and the candidate has accepted.
It's important to properly onboard new employees and provide them with the training and support they need to be successful.
This includes giving them a tour of the office, introducing them to their colleagues, and providing them with access to the resources they need.
It's also important to set clear expectations and provide regular feedback.
Searching for top Kiwi talent?
Our friendly recruitment experts are just an email or a phone call away.
Email us at info@eqconsultants.co.nz, or call us on 03 366 4034 for professional, one-on-one guidance.