by Rick Baker
On Aug 17, 2010
Recruiting is one of the purest forms of evangelism.
At least that’s what Guy Kawasaki says in his book,
Reality Check.
Here’s a summary of some of Guy’s thoughts about –
The Art of Recruiting
- Ignore the irrelevant: don't be impressed by education that isn't of direct value
- Hire infected people: rather than limit tests to education and work experience...look for people who are infected with a love of your product
- Hire better than yourself: great people hire great people
- Double check your intuition: maybe do the first interview by phone so you are not unduly swayed by ‘gut feel’...ask all candidates the same questions and take copious notes so you have a base of objectivity
- Don't be afraid to issue a challenge: quality candidates will embrace challenges
- Check independent references: consider using LinkedIn, talk to former bosses, talk to former employees
- Apply the shopping centre test: if you saw this person in a shopping centre would you (1) go to him, (2) wait and see if you bump into him then talk, or (3) leave and go to a new shopping centre to make sure you don’t bump into him…if you didn’t choose (1) then don’t hire the person
- Use all your weapons to land the right candidate: people are motivated by more than money and share options
- Sell all the decision makers: spouses, etc
- Wait to compensate...use the offer letter as the last step, not an early step
- Don't assume your recruiting is done: you should not stop recruiting a person once the person is hired.
Recruiting is one of the purest forms of evangelism.
More on the art of recruiting in future blogs…