#1119 - Your Next Hire | Lisa McDonald

Why did I invite Lisa McDonald, a certified career coach  to join me for a conversation?  You are not looking for a job, but you are probably looking for employees,

And Lisa is probably working with those potential employees, telling them not to apply for a job with your company.

In this lively conversation, we talk about the mistakes employers make starting with job descriptions that don’t really reflect the company to interviews that go completely off the rails.

This is one conversation you need to listen to, before you try to hire your next employee.

 

Lisa explains that crafting a compelling job description is as much about storytelling as writing a great ad for your business. It’s not just a list of tasks; it’s your chance to paint a picture of what it’s like to work with you. And let’s be honest, if you’re on the hunt for a “purple squirrel,” you’re setting yourself up for frustration.

Here are the key takeaways:

Ditch the Bucket List: Stop trying to find the impossible candidate who checks every box. Instead, focus on the core skills and values you need. Hiring for potential can often yield better results than sticking to an unrealistic wish list.

Think Like a Candidate: Just as you’d tailor your resume to highlight your strengths, craft your job description to attract the right person. Use language that reflects your company’s personality, values, and culture. A good job description should read more like an invitation than a set of rules.

Avoid the Extremes: Don’t sound too outdated or overly trendy. The goal is to sound authentic—like the kind of team a candidate would actually want to join.

It’s All Marketing: Your job description isn’t just a list of responsibilities; it’s an ad for your company. Think about the words you’d use to sell your product or service and apply the same principles to your hiring process. Remember, you’re selling the idea of working with you.

Mirror Your Culture: Make sure your job description aligns with how your team communicates and operates. If your workplace is warm and collaborative, let that shine through in your wording.

If you’re struggling to hire, take a hard look at your job descriptions. Are they telling the right story? Or are they pushing people away before you’ve even had a chance to meet them? Start fresh, focus on the essentials, and don’t be afraid to let your company’s personality come through. You might just find that the right candidate has been waiting for a job posting that finally speaks their language.

 

If you enjoyed this conversation, look for More - more conversations like this, workbooks, whitepapers, webinars and so much more https://www.morethanafewwords.com  

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