The Importance of a Strong Hiring Process
The most effective way to have a cohesive team that works great together is to hire the right people in the first place.
This can be a lengthy process, especially when an office is short-staffed and wants to get that position filled as soon as possible. But by taking their time to go through all the steps of the hiring process, they will have a much better chance of finding the right employee.
Review Resumes and Check References Thoroughly
The first step is to have potential employees turn in a resume. This provides a quick overview of their qualifications and skills.
It also gives a glimpse of what kind of person they are. How are they presenting themselves? Are they using correct grammar?
Call previous employers and references. Have a list of questions for these calls. Don’t just ask “were they a good employee”? Ask about their work ethic, are they a team-player, able to solve problems on their own, were they punctual, would they rehire that person?
Sometimes prior employers will not tell you if they were not the best employee, but they will tell you if they would rehire them.
Use Assessments and Applications to Find the Right Fit
After selecting the top candidates, have them take the KOLBE test. This assessment evaluates conative abilities, determining how individuals’ approach and manage tasks when working independently.
For instance, if it is a front office position, the person needs to be able to manage constant interruptions. Having candidates take the KOLBE before interviews ensures that they are evaluated on their abilities, not just their personalities.
Sometimes when people have a great personality, potential employers may overlook that they might not be the right person for the job. By getting their KOLBE results before ever meeting them, it eliminates this risk and maximizes the potential of hiring someone who is best suited for the position.
Invite selected candidates for an interview based on their resumes and KOLBE results. While waiting for the interview to start, have them complete an application, even though they have already submitted a resume. This process helps assess their ability to follow instructions, as well as their handwriting and spelling.
Include the company’s core values in the application. This provides insight into the organization’s culture and expectations for potential employees.
Conduct In-Depth Interviews with a Diverse Panel
The interview panel should include representatives from multiple departments, not just the one responsible for hiring. This will give different views on the candidate that the hiring department might not have thought of.
During the interview, ask skill-based and situational questions. Give real-life scenarios that they may encounter in your office to see how they would prioritize and manage them. The candidate needs to be able to perform the duties listed for the position, but it is equally important to know how they will manage stressful situations.
For instance, proficiency in Excel is valuable, but it is equally important to know how they would respond to an upset patient. Don’t just listen to their answers, watch their body language to see if they are confident and engaged. Do they make eye contact? Are they fidgeting or seem relaxed?
These are all important factors to consider in your hiring decision.
Use Working Interviews to Test Skills and Team Fit
Following their interview, have them come in for a working interview and skills assessment, ideally lasting at least four hours. This allows employers to evaluate whether candidates can perform the skills listed on their resumes and how they interact with patients.
Skills are important, but working well with the team and patients is especially important. This is also a wonderful opportunity for the candidate to see if they want to be a part of your team.
Yes, you are assessing whether this person is a good fit for your office, but they are also assessing if your office is a good fit for them.
Lasting Benefits of a Strong Hiring Process
Hiring a new employee can be a daunting task, but taking the time to carefully evaluate candidates ensures that individuals hired not only possess the necessary skills but also align with company values and culture.
A well-executed hiring strategy leads to higher employee satisfaction, better team dynamics, and overall organizational growth. It also reduces turnover rates and creates an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
By implementing and following an in-depth hiring process, you are setting up the new employee and your practice for success!
About the Author
Deanna O’Connell, MAADOM
Deanna truly found her passion as an Office Manager when she entered the dental field. Her proudest professional achievements are when she can be a part of changing patients’ lives.
She enjoys volunteering with the Mogollon Sporting Association, Veterans Day Dental Events, and Arizona Sonshine. Deanna excels at financial planning, organization, and thrives when presented with a challenge.
She is honored to have her AADOM Mastership and to be an Elite Office Manager of the AACA.
