In order to select qualified candidates for a given position there is a Human Resource research rule of thumb to keep in mind: you need to at least interview about seven (7) people to make a good selection. Too few than seven will not give you enough of a representation on the qualities and skill sets that exist in your market place. This rule goes even further to suggest you DO NOT hire and do a repost of the position if you don’t get seven applicants! More than seven is fine and will give you a greater perspective on the types of people and skill sets available to you, but many, many more interviews just makes your life difficult because interviews take time – preparation, scheduling, interview, review and selection. In some circumstances and for very key positions, the pool should be wider, for instance, for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position; the pool should be in the double digits: 15 – 50.
Also, remember my other blog article, “Why a blog on "Growing Companies"?”, which mentioned…"...when hiring a consultant, ask for seven (7) references...you don't want your organization to be the teaching ground for your consultants; let them get their feet wet somewhere else and apply solid, tested concepts in your organization..."
About Me
- Mir
- Information technology (IT), business, and organization improvement professional with many years of experience and skills in organization, strategic planning, process improvement, six-sigma/TQM, program/process and competency development, project management, systems analysis and design, software development, IT auditing and management, small business development and management, entrepreneurship and consulting.