I Got A GUY

When you want to hire a friend or acquaintance to a role you are making the decision around be careful that you don't fall into the trap of a quick hiring process. I'm not talking about hiring a family member who can't do the work but you want to give them the pay check. I'm talking about a friend or family member that can actually do the job. Because you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can do the work you will want to fast track the hiring process to save time and get your friend in to the role.

There are three big dangers in this:

1. A "fast Track" process will look really bad to other co-workers and impact how they look at your friend when they start in the role. Because they did not have to go through the same hiring rigors as everyone else in the office they lose credibility from the beginning and you lose trust. Being patient and taking everyone through the same process is important.

2. Even though your friend may have the skills for the job they may not be the right "job fit". Fitting into the culture of your team or work place is more important then being able to do the job. Skipping steps in hiring will certainly lead to you missing the test on whether they are a job fit.

3. By interviewing others and treating your friend like everyone else you may find some one else that can do the job and fit in with you team better. Yes I said it, you might have made a big mistake and missed a true talent if you do not take your friend and consider them with others. Hey, if they are as good as you think then they shouldn't mind having a little competition!

I have gone through this myself. Several years ago I had an opportunity to re-hire a Project Manager that I loved working with before. I knew she was the right fit and had more then enough skills to do the job. I had a ton going on at the time and a big pressure event I was planning. I needed her on the job ASAP! Instead of reacting to the moment I took the long view and considered her with others. I looked at 75 applications. Called on 15, had 10 responses back. Did 5 phone interviews, 2 face to face. All the time my friend was being taken through the same paces of a phone screen, scheduled interview with me and other executives a collaboration time and a final decision against one more final candidates. When it was all said and done she was the choice of a team of people. Everyone in the office knew she had earned the job and she started in time to help me deliver the big project to a successful conclusion. Do the right thing. Stick with the process of hiring even if you GOT A GUY!