Lauren Farasati :: The Gifted Practice

How to try an employee before you buy an employee

We’ve all been there. The resume was strong. She interviewed great. She was professionally dressed, had all the right answers and even came with industry pedigree. You did a personality or instincts test and it looked like a great match. You even remembered to check references.

Week one you noticed the “deer in the headlights” look. You hoped it would go away. It didn’t. At six months, you knew you were dealing with one very expensive “mis-hire”.

Rewind, please. Next time, do everything you did this time, but add one more hoop – The Job Audition. The Job Audition is a brief simulation of the tasks associated with the position. In about 45 minutes, it will give you an authentic look into the performance the candidate is likely to deliver. My Job Audition for an assistant involves three tasks:

• Take basic data from a fact finder or computer screen and transfer it to a simple application (generic brokerage account will do) and place “sign here” stickers
• Type a cover letter as though you were mailing the application
• Call the client (use a “stand-in”) to set an appointment

What will you learn from a Job Audition?

• You’ll learn whether the person has attention to detail
• You’ll learn whether she/he can find Word on the computer
• You’ll learn if she/he can compose, format and proof a business letter
• You’ll learn if they can get on the phone, with a smile and talk to a client
• Most of all, you’ll learn whether they juggle a bunch of tasks, without hand-holding, under fire

One final tip about the Job Audition…don’t be shy about asking candidates to do this. The job audition is as valuable to potential employees as it is to you!

This article was posted on Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 7:44 am.
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