Help Wanted…the right way

Summary: Don’t be the cynical person who thinks no one wants to work. To find the right person to work for you look beyond skills.

I have to be honest, if I hear this one more time – I am going to scream! I have the privileged of working with some entrepreneurs on hiring their first employee. It’s a rewarding experience to work alongside these folks and help with their business growth by ensuring they have the right team in place.   They are positive, eager, and a little nervous – after all it is a big leap.

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Then they start talking to other business people they know about hiring an employee and BAM! their dream is shot down.  How? Somehow, somewhere they have become cynical and are convinced that either people don’t want to work or they are no good people. If you are one of these cynical people…stop it!

There are good people out there and they are looking for work. How do I know? I meet them almost every day, some in person as a volunteer job coach and others on-line trying to figure out how to get your attention so they can have an interview.

So how do you make sure you don’t become cynical. It starts with knowing what you want.  Typically we think of the tasks or knowledge needed, this is a good start but don’t stop here.  Also think about the personal characteristics you want this person to have – outgoing, friendly, curious, responsive, imaginative, studious, or whatever else you can think of.

If  you focus only on the tasks, you will only get half way there. Think about yourself, the kind of person you are and what works well with you – this is the other half. Now when to talk or write about a position include the characteristics you would like and get better candidates applying for the position.

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