Hiring is kind of like dating. You meet someone and you click…or you don’t. Either way, it’s easy to let how you feel toward that candidate cloud your judgment when it comes time to make a hiring decision. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, TX, Murray Resources knows too many managers make their choice with the thought in their head that “I just really liked that candidate.”

Unfortunately, hiring based on emotion has some perils.

Many times, it blinds people to the red flags that show up during the interview process. Whether they know it or not, managers tend to scrutinize candidates they don’t necessarily connect with far more than those they do. As a result, they think a candidate is great…only to be sorely disappointed when that new hire doesn’t work out. And then they’re back to the hiring game.

If this has ever happened to you, don’t get fooled again. Do what you can to take the emotion out of your hiring process and you will reap the benefits in the end.

To start, avoid these common mistakes:

Hiring out of desperation.

When you’re under pressure to hire, not only are you more likely to make a mistake, but you’re also more likely to let certain issues slide, like the fact that the candidate you really like doesn’t have a certain important skill set, but “hey, I really like them and I need to hire now.”

Don’t put the wrong person in a position just because you’re short-handed. Keep your standards high and take your time.

Hearing what you want to.

Most managers are quick decision makers and risk takers. These are great qualities for leading a team; but not so great for the hiring process. In fact, these traits can cause major hiring mistakes.

Effective hiring and interviewing takes times, patience, and exceptional listening skills. Just because a candidate looks great on paper and presents well in an interview does not mean they are the right fit. It’s critical to dig deeper, push harder and find out the real story behind each candidate.

Thinking you’re a good judge of character.

You may be when it comes to your team; but when it comes to hiring candidates who are often not putting their true selves forward, don’t assume you know it all. Choosing a candidate to bring on board isn’t like picking a new company to deliver office supplies. Hiring right takes a careful, thoughtful approach that may involve other’s opinions as well.

When faced with a hiring decision, your first step should be to recognize – not ignore – that there are emotions involved. Then take deliberate steps to think through the hiring process, create a plan and stick to it, and not rush into any decisions.

Need more help hiring for your team? Let Murray Resources know. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, TX, Murray Resources can help ensure you have the right people – whether contract talent or full-time staff – in the right positions at the right time. Contact us today to learn more.