Bosses: What to Do Before Hiring

You have a lot to do -- you're the boss. Your business demands a lot from you. For that reason, you rely on others to comb through resumes and vet candidates for positions. But picking a person who will fit in at your company, truly, and produce the quality of work you demand, requires your involvement.

According to a Gallup poll discussed in Fortune, companies choose the wrong person for a job more than 80 percent of the time they hire. That means four out of five new hires are are not well-suited to a job they were offered. The solution to this costly and time-consuming problem may be relatively easy, however. It just requires extra attention before making the final hiring decision.

Take the Time

Hiring the wrong person for a job can wind up costing you a lot and damaging your business. So your best bet is to take the time in advance of hiring to get to know the prospective employee in a few different settings. Share a meal or invite the candidate to attend an event in your office before you commit.

The idea is not to trip them up but it is a test. You want to see how they handle different situations -- what is appropriate will depend on your business and industry. One person may do best in an interview setting but crack in social situations. Another may sweat the interview but charm a room full of strangers when the focus is not on them.

Seek Authenticity

You know what you need from an employee and it's probably not something you will see in an interview, in their resume, or in their degrees and certifications. It's a human quality. Fortune advises that to find genuine assets -- people who are authentic, communicative, flexible, reliable, resourceful, and able to handle pressure -- you will have to look for and choose them yourself.

Of course, you can still rely on your human resources team to handle the deluge of resumes. But check in and speak up. Remind your team of the qualities you seek. Then show them what you mean by participating in hiring the right person. Your ability to assess got you this far in business, so don't relinquish the decision-making to people who are less experienced, and you will be providing insight to others in the process.

Consult With Counsel

If you need help with employment issues or any other aspect of business operations, consult with counsel. Get guidance.

Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Google+.

Related Resources:

• Find Business and Commercial Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• Illegal Job Interview Questions (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
• Pre-Employment Background Checks (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
• Legal Rights During the Hiring Process (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)