Q. What are some tips for effective interviews?
I ask the person to give me a ‘Reader’s Digest’ version of their experience. You can probably read most of that on the resume, but I find it very interesting to hear people verbalize what they do or what they have done. It forces them to talk about themselves and their positive abilities and skill sets.
You always want to try to think through, can this person do more than what they are being hired for? Can they grow within the organization? That’s also a selling point when you’re interviewing people. ‘Here’s where you’re starting, and if you have the right drive, ability and skill set, here’s the potential because we’re growing. And growing means opportunity.’
I’m not looking for someone who wants to climb the corporate ladder in a year. I need someone that has commitment and buy-in to what we’re trying to do. I’d rather start someone out at the lower end of the spectrum and then get them to move forward on a gradual basis based on performance.
If someone has high aspirations to move forward, they have to really show that they have the ability to take on responsibilities.
Q. How do you get a new employee off to a good start?
The biggest thing is being able to work directly with them and making sure there is a clear-cut job description of what they are supposed to do. It’s very important to identify duties and responsibilities so they know clearly what they have to do when they come in.
It’s really spending time, whether it’s with me directly or with other folks in the organization, to make sure they are oriented to how we do things. Make sure that, as a leader, you’re visible and that they know you’re dedicated to the cause.
I don’t line my pockets. What I’m doing right now is putting a substantial amount, if not all of the profits right back into the business. Employees see that. They know when they are operating a piece of equipment, if something should break down, we don’t waste any time or money getting it repaired.
How to reach: Frontline International Inc., (330) 861-1100 or www.frontlineii.com
