You’ve heard it a million times before, it’s the people that make the job, not the role itself. But is this really the case? From that point of view, that would mean that the role is completely irrelevant to the business from an employee’s perspective. It is my argument that the people in their roles are the most important investment you can make in an organisation. Without the right people a business can suffer for many reasons. There are many ways that the people can be the most effective weapon for the survival of an organisation. Here is what you should be doing when looking for the right staff.

Look At Their CV- It Will Tell You A Lot!

Is it a concise CV of a page or two, or is it covered in job after job after job? They have experience in the role, but look closer. How long were they in that role for? Do they have transferable skills that will serve your business well? Have they even sold themselves well, or is their opening gambit just cheap window dressing? You can tell a lot about a person from their CV, how they market themselves, and what their intentions are with you as their (potential) employer.

What Are Their Hobbies and Interests?

It may be a bit insignificant when looking for someone to fill a job role, but their interests outside of the workplace say two things. The first is, if you, as their colleague, can work together well and form a successful working relationship. The second is, do their interests reveal a unique aspect to their personality, like an outstanding skill? Due to increases in costs of living, there are many people that need to take side jobs. For more information on this, look at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2016/08/16/side-jobs-are-in-heres-what-you-need-to-know/2

If that is the case, and it can be applied in the work role, this can make them a valuable asset.

What Is Their Background?

Getting more information about who they are, in their personal life, and their prior legal history, can save you time. With sites like Linkedin, and Twitter, you can check their work history. But, perhaps more importantly, who they are personally. The best thing about it is that you can do it before you even speak to them!

Have You Got Your Resources Up To Date?

Are you looking in the right areas for employees? If you are dissatisfied with the results you are getting from those that are applying to you, then you should look for them. Sites like managers.org.uk can give handy tips and ideas to find the right person, even recruitment sites such as Reed have worker profiles and CV’s to look at.

Do You Trust Your Instincts?

Sometimes your instincts are the one thing that will serve you right in the end. If you get a good feeling during the interview about the person, you’re not far wrong that they will work well in your organisation. Maybe they approached you and asked for a job before you advertised the post because they saw where they could help you out. If someone like that has the drive to approach you, then surely they are worth a gamble? Good luck, and go and get them.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.