A killer group of employees is at the heart of every great company. But what’s the key to recruiting this stellar staff? It’s all about the hiring process. You can avoid excessive turnover through a disciplined approach — this means you must have foresight and systems in place.

First, it’s pertinent that you identify the following when looking to hire new employees:

•       Determine exactly which position(s) you are trying to fill.
•       Create a job description that includes details on the desired skillset, education, and personality traits of your ideal candidate.
•       Decide who will interview the candidates, and make sure each step of the process is conducive to the next.

So, how do you do that?

Profiling Prospective Employees
The hiring process should include some sort of personality test, such as those offered at Caliper. These profiling tools can help predict behavior and improve your chances of choosing the right match. Particularly when you’re looking to bring on several new hires, these assessments will be beneficial to link talents to tasks because you’ll have a clear idea of each person’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, you’ll be keyed in on significant facts, like whether the candidate is sales-driven or service-centered.

Nevertheless, one personality trait that’s always beneficial in an employee is loyalty. You want to bring on people who believe in the long-term vision of your company — individuals who can latch on to your mission and future plans. When an employee is dedicated and passionate about your brand, he or she requires less direction, while those who are just working for a paycheck will likely need more guidance and management.

Perfecting Your Process
But it’s not just about the personalities of the candidates. Most importantly, recruiters should avoid depending on emotions throughout the hiring process. This is the best advice you could give anyone looking to implement a disciplined hiring process. Focus on the facts, rather than hiring a candidate simply because you like the person. Naturally, you may be drawn to people who are like you, but that doesn’t mean that they’re always the best fit for the job. Don’t overlook those who can provide insight in areas where your company is lacking.

All in all, a group of passionate, loyal employees equals fewer turnovers. Nobody wants to be part of a company that’s shrinking — or part of a team that is unhappy. Even one employee leaving the company can create a domino effect that, ultimately, translates to lower morale. High turnover is one of the major factors preventing a company from gaining momentum, so create a strong HR team who can help match the right talents with the right tasks to sustain growth and scale more quickly.

While a disciplined hiring process requires meticulous analysis — including tests, background checks, and calling references — it’s essential to the overall success of your company. Taking these steps will only increase satisfaction for everyone involved.


Adam Degraide is Founder & CEO of Crystal Clear Digital Marketing. He can be reached at adegraide@crystalcleardm.com.