Criteria for Employee Selection

Employee selection criteria ensures making the best possible hire.

Hiring employees for a business can be a daunting task. Hiring managers should take time with interviewing and investigating potential employees before making a job offer. There are several criteria that can be used in the job-selection process to ensure making the best possible hire. Time should be devoted to developing an objective hiring process before proceeding with posting for the job opening.

Job Posting

When posting a job, spell out the job's duties, requirements and necessary qualifications. Give the perspective employee an overview of what the job will be like as well as qualifications that are mandatory and those that are preferred. This can decrease the number of applicants who do not meet basic job requirements. A thorough job description also gives the potential candidate a general overview of the company to help determine if the job and business would be a good fit.

Interview

Arrange interviews for the prospective candidates. There should be a set of questions used in every interview. This will allow easier comparison among candidates when the same questions have been asked. Consider including an interview panel rather than just one person. This will give a wide range of opinions on the employee and increase the odds for hiring the best candidate. If there is a large pool of candidates, consider phone interviews to winnow the pool before setting up in-person and group interviews.

Evaluate the candidates based on work experience, education and overall qualifications. With a detailed job description, form questions that will show whether the candidate has the expertise to perform the given tasks. Be sure to evaluate the candidate on qualifications and avoid judgments based on race, sex and disabilities.

Background Investigations

Obtain permission from the candidate to perform background checks, including criminal, driving, work and credit histories. The types of background checks vary with jobs. Also, with permission, contact references as well as former employers for recommendations. If negative comments are made about the candidate, offer the chance to explain.

Testing

There are many companies that offer personality and other career testing that deliver more accurate insight into a candidate. Administer these tests after the candidate has made it through the other parts of the hiring process. Be sure to provide accommodations for those who need it when offering written or computerized testing.

Shadow Day

For candidates who've made it through previous selection criteria, consider a shadowing day at the business. Invite the candidate to spend the day to see how well he likes the environment. The day also gives the hiring manager and other employees a chance to see how well he interacts. This can test the candidate's qualifications and ensure he's a good fit for the organization.

References

• University of Michigan Health Systems: How to Select Candidates
• Discovery Articles: How to Select New Employees for Your New Franchise