You put on your best outfit. You know…the one that makes you look good! You double check the location and the time. You prepare some anecdotes and some questions, just in case the conversation lags. You leave early because nothing is going to make you late for this.
What is it? Could be a date, could be an interview. Because the truth is they are a lot alike. Everyone is on their best behavior hoping to pass muster and warrant a second date, er, interview.
Here are 4 more ways interviewing is like dating…
4. Attitude matters more than personality.
Hire for Attitude first, Personality second and Skills third. This formula (A-P-S) will almost always guarantee a good hire. How do you assess attitude? Look for genuine enthusiasm about your company (which would mean they know about your company!), a sparkle in their eye, and someone who tells you that they want the job.
Many times (especially in hiring salespeople) we “fall” for someone who looks good and sounds good. Yet without knowing their attitudes, interests, and values, we don’t know if the long-term compatibility and drive is there.
So, too, with dating. It’s easy to let the superficial outweigh the substantial – at first! But time is the great equalizer…and those without substance will not make it in the long haul.
5. Closely tied to number four is hire people with Passion.
It is your job to find people who are passionate and then find a way to tie their passion to the objectives of your company. It is not your job to help them find their passion.
With dating, sometimes we meet someone who is lost or struggling to find themselves or their passion. Other times, they don’t have a passion and aren’t interested in finding one.
We take it on like it’s our job to fix them or fulfill them. As I say to my single girlfriends,
“Don’t fall in love with potential…”
6. Pay close attention. Whatever shows up on the first interview (inconsistent behavior, strange habits, incoherent thoughts), expect it to be there when they’re hired. It’s the same in relationships – if you don’t like the behavior you see when first dating someone – don’t marry them. It won’t go away. Rather it will grow and expand until you’re convinced they are doing it just to aggravate you!
7. Remember if at first, you don’t succeed – another one will come along. Don’t rush the decision to hire because you’re afraid you won’t find anyone else. Take your time to get to know your candidate. Interview them multiple times. Check references. Do adequate testing. Jeff Bezos from Amazon.com said, “I’d rather interview 100 people and not hire anyone than hire the wrong person.”
Similar to this when it comes to dating, one of my favorite sayings is, “Better to walk through life alone, than badly accompanied.”
But we must balance this philosophy (hire slow) with a caution – when you do find a great candidate, don’t drag your feet. Do your due diligence but do it swiftly as most top performers will have other offers and won’t be available for long.
The DISC Wizard
P.S. Are you new to The DISC Wizard? If so, and you have a candidate you’d be interested in assessing prior to hire, contact us and we will give you access to one complimentary pre-employment assessment. Hiring doesn’t have to be a guessing game. This offer expires 2/28/18.
