Sometimes, the best future leaders of your company are already employees. While it may be tempting to cast a wide net when looking for the most qualified candidate for a position, hiring internally can offer some major advantages. However, finding existing talent isn't always easy, especially for hiring managers at large companies. Here are three quick tips to help you find the best talent within.
1. Know What You're Looking For
If you're thinking about promoting staff members, try to find someone who already possesses the basic skills and traits required for the position. You can always work with them to improve, but it's highly beneficial to select someone who is already moving in the right direction. For example, if your company needs a new branch manager and you're interested in hiring internally, you should look for someone who already assumes a team leadership role at the office.
Make a list of traits and skills that would match the job position in question, and then try to find a candidate that aligns most closely with that list. Once you've identified a few possible candidates based on specific criteria, it will be easier to narrow down your list. Hiring internally can be a long process, so don't rush it. Pay attention to the small details a possible candidate possesses that may be able to be amplified in a leadership role.
2. Give Motivated Candidates a Chance
Sometimes, employees who you may not expect to thrive can surprise you. When hiring internally, it's a prudent move to give priority to those who want the job most. After all, most employees wouldn't decline a pay raise. You want to promote the person who genuinely wants to grow with the company. Not only does giving motivated employees a chance improve your odds of finding an ideal fit for the position, but it also helps with employee retention. You don't want to lose an employee because he doesn't feel valued. Giving him a chance to interview for the position shows that there is growth potential within your firm. Promoting staff also gives the rest of the team the feeling of possible upward mobility.
3. Develop Relationships with the Staff
Sometimes, it's impossible to find a diamond in the rough unless you're looking close enough. When hiring internally, it's usually best to make a decision that's based on more than just your instincts. Try to get to know the current employees, and discover what makes them tick. Learn about their personal interests and hobbies, as well as their long-term goals. When you have a better idea of who your team members are as people, it will be much easier to make an informed decision when hiring internally.
The practice of hiring internally is an excellent way to boost the morale of current employees and increase the odds of a successful hire. Always seek candidates who possess at least some of the skills needed for the job. Also, make sure the candidate genuinely wants to remain a member of your firm.
Photo courtesy of khunaspix at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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