As a small business owner, you have to have the right people on board to make sure your business is moving in the direction you want. You need to hire people who share your vision and goals for your company.
Every new employee places you closer to your goals or slides you farther away from them.
At ThinkQuik, we have an amazing team that is more like family. Sure, we might have a squabble or two but every one of us gives everything we have each day to make this company a success. We’ve been together through some challenges and we all wear multiple hats.
Because of this, I know how important a good hire is. Most people who don’t run their own businesses think it’s no big deal to just let someone go if they don’t work out. But when you’re in that seat, you realize a bad hire can destroy morale and bring productivity to a halt. That’s why it’s critical to make the right decision the first time.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
4 Subtle Job Candidate Warning Signs That Could Mean Big Trouble
Be on the lookout for these warning signs, and be cautious when hiring someone who does any of these things:
Sign 1: The candidate complains about the parking.
If someone complains about not being able to find a parking spot when they’re on their “best behavior” imagine what they’ll be like when the new job becomes a grind. You’re likely looking at a serial complainer. Every small thing will bother them, and they will let you know about it. You don’t want someone who is going to start off their relationship with you by complaining about something as trivial as the parking situation. The job’s only going to get harder from there.
Sign 2: The candidate never acknowledges anyone else in the organization.
If the person only directs questions to you, the business owner, and completely ignores their potential colleagues, that is a major red flag. Also, if they walk past a customer and don’t even acknowledge the person with a greeting, they may lack customer service skills.
Don’t excuse it as just being nervous because the risk is too great. And don’t assume they’re shy. Even shy people smile and recognize others. At best, they’re socially awkward in this situation. At worst…
They think they are “too good” to acknowledge other people. If that’s the case, they may think they are “too good” for certain parts of their would-be job. You don’t want someone who isn’t a team player, and you certainly don’t want someone who isn’t friendly to customers.
Sign 3: The candidate brings up salary during the initial interview.
Besides being presumptuous in assuming they will be offered the job, asking about salary this early is a big no-no. If they did any research at all they would know this. Ideally, you both already know the ballpark of what the position is offering and the candidate is looking for. If those two weren’t in the same vicinity, there’s no reason to sit down together.
The topic of salary or the desire to negotiate this early in the process also means that their focus is on the money instead of the opportunities this job might bring them. While we all need to be comfortable in what we’re making, too much of a focus on money means they will likely leave as soon as they get a better paying opportunity. You want someone who is interested in the job, not just the salary.
Sign 4: The candidate never asks anything about your business.
If the candidate doesn’t ask you a single question about your business, the mission, your customers, your own history as a business owner, or the vision you have going forward, then they are just looking for any job. They haven’t taken the time to research your company, and they don’t have a clue about your business. Worst of all, they don’t even care enough to be curious.
You shouldn’t have to convince them to work for you when they so clearly are just going through the motions. This is the equivalent of a date staring at their phone the whole night. Let them go. They’re just not that into you.
You need people who will be just as passionate about your customers, business, and products as you are.
Okay…maybe not exactly. But you do want someone who takes an interest. When you hire someone new, you want them to want to be part of your team.
Hiring is one of the most important decisions any business owner or manager can make. But it is absolutely critical in a small business because each person is essential to the operation.
Remember, once you find the right person treat them right. No customer was ever delighted by a disgruntled employee.
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