Employee Recruitment and Retention

Human capital strategist Brian Parsley offer up seven common problems that employers make when hiring and retaining staff.

1. Looking at the wrong time and in the wrong place.

It is a major mistake to only hire or look to hire when there's a need.  Look for people you want before you have a need.  They are likely not looking but may be excelling with another association, a member company, or other organization.

2. Asking dumb questions. Forget the old "Name two strengths and two weaknesses you have?" or "Describe your ideal environment?" questions.  Ask questions that make them think -  "What would you do if...?" "How would you react to...?"

3. Making an offer just because you "need" someone. Better to wait than to hire someone you know is not the best person for the job.

4. Not setting clear expectations. You may know what you expect from the new hire, but they may not know or understand what the expectations are.  Ask them to describe what they think their new responsibilities will be.

5. Not communicating to be understood. It is good practice to have employees communicate their understanding of the issue back to you to make sure they understand it.

6. Forgetting to reward the ones you have already hired. If they don't feel important to the team and that their efforts are appreciated,  they will leave.

7. Failing to create loyal employees. The true test is how you react when there are problems...that will tell employees what you think of them.

 

OUR MISSION

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associations and non-profits by 
delivering unique
and unparalleled expertise, programs
and services
to their staff and
volunteers.