The true cost of a bad hire can’t really be measured. It’s hard to tell just how much damage they unleash in the form of lost productivity and reduced morale. That’s why, as one of the top staffing firms in South Florida, Future Force can tell you it’s so important to avoid a hiring mistake from the start. To help you, here are some signs to be on the lookout for when you’re interviewing candidates:
They don’t offer detail.
When a candidate continuously gives you vague answers and the runaround, it’s a sign that they may not be qualified for the job you’re offering. An experienced and strong candidate should be able to delve into specific detail about their past roles and accomplishments without any problem. If they can’t, it’s either a sign that they don’t have the experience or skill set you need, or they’re a poor communicator.
They give you their spouse as a reference.
If a candidate gives you their spouse as a reference, it should be a cause for concern. A family member is not going to be able to be objective when you call them for a reference. Further, just the act of offering a family member as a professional reference should make you question the judgment of the candidate.
They display unprofessional behavior.
The candidate had a great resume. But then they walk into your office with inappropriate attire, chewing gum, and cell phone in hand…plus they’re late. Any or all of these are signs of what’s to come should you hire this candidate. Those that can’t even act professionally during an interview are not likely to do so once on the job.
They gossip about former colleagues or bosses.
When a candidate bashes a former employer, boss or colleague, it’s a sign of immaturity and lack of judgment. After all, how do they know their last boss isn’t a friend of yours? Even if a candidate was, in fact, unfairly treated at their last job, they should not be bringing it up during the interview process.
There’s no sign of career progression or accomplishments.
You want to hire someone who can perform on the job. So if a candidate seems stagnant in their career, or doesn’t have a clear track record of success, then don’t expect them to deliver once on the job. Instead, be on the lookout for those who can give you detailed examples of their achievements and how they positively impacted their past employers.
Hiring mistakes are bad news. The good news is that you can spot a potential one before making an offer. Just follow the tips above to ensure you filter out the weak candidates and focus on the best ones.
Sourcing and interviewing candidates can certainly be a challenge. If you’re ready to outsource the process, call the experts at Future Force. As one of the top staffing firms in South Florida, we can help you hire skilled, dependable employees on a full-time, part-time or temporary basis and ensure they get up to speed – and productive – as soon as possible. Contact Future Force today to learn more.