Top 10 Employee Selection Mistakes ... and Solutions

Use only "gut feel" approach.

(Apply knowledge of effective selection principles.)

Don't know what you are looking for.

(Define your job specs up front.)

Screen in vs. screen out.

(Find out why the candidate would not be wildly successful)

Talk 80% and listen 20%.

(Do the reverse.)

Take candidates at their word.

(Probe for details and substantiating examples.)

Give in to work and market pressures.

(Take the long view. You’ll pay now or later.)

Selling the job.

(Focus on a good job fit.)

Oblivious to the legal Do's and Don'ts.

(Know the law or consult with someone who does.)

Questions are not purposeful.

(Prepare questions based on job specs.)

Listen only to candidate's words.

(Be attuned to a multitude of nonverbal cues.)