HELP WANTED

If you’ve ever tried to hire anyone, you’d quickly discover that finding good talent is one of the hardest things you’ll ever encounter in your professional career. How are you supposed to know in a matter of 12 -16 hours you actually spend with a candidate that she is a perfect fit for the job at hand? It’s not possibly enough time to find out if this person is true to her word, passionate about doing great work or committed to building a great team.

Sure, you can spread out the risk. Make sure the candidate spends time with various leaders you trust throughout your organization, solicit candid feedback, define the specific criteria you’re looking for and ask smart, insightful questions that give you a little peek into the person’s soul.

But where does that really get you? How do you PROVE this person is the best candidate? How do you KNOW the candidate will play nice with others, present our work in a compelling manner and use influencing skills to better the agency? You don’t. At some point, you just have to take a LEAP OF FAITH. You have to TRUST your initial instincts and the feedback of others. You simply have to put a STAKE IN THE GROUND. And that’s hard to do…at least I find it is.

However, just because it’s a hard thing to do doesn’t mean I’m not up for the challenge. Or that I should stop looking for the perfect fit for the job. Or that it should deter you from applying for the job. Because when everything is right, it will fall into place. We just need to have a little faith and together we’ll get there. So, to that end:

help wanted

Check out our latest job posting for an ACCOUNT DIRECTOR. Apply if you’re up for the challenge. I know I am. And I know I am still searching…

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersimler Jennifer Simler

    Up for the challenge…what good AD wouldn’t be? But it’s a good question you ask, how do you know if they are passionate and really rock at what they do and are capable of leading, (hopefully movtivating) a team.

    I think if those qualities are there in a candidate then when you meet them in person you can see and hear the passion in their voice. When they talk about their demonstrated success they will radiate pride as if it was personal to them. Then you know … I want them working on our business. But to be certain, their work samples or case studies will prove it.

    Lastly, you mentioned soliciting candid feedback, but how about feedback from their clients? If a client will attest for their capabilities and successes then there’s probably something special in that candidate.

    But yes, at the end of the day, there is some faith involved. Good luck with your search, I hope our paths cross sometime soon.