As the exodus of workers referred to as the “great resignation” tolls on, “now hiring” signs are ubiquitous. These vacant positions often increase the burden on existing staff members, creating the potential for dissatisfaction, burnout, and even more vacancies. Yet the temptation to hire anyone willing to take the job should be tempered by the many potential consequences of making a bad hire.
When Hiring Nobody Is Better Than Hiring Just Anybody
Look for these four traits before taking a chance on a less-than-ideal candidate.
December 06, 2021
Summary.
As the Great Resignation continues, the temptation to hire anyone willing to take the job should be tempered by the many potential consequences of making a bad hire. If both hiring no one or hiring “just anyone” can be harmful, how can managers know whether it’s better to take a chance on a non-ideal candidate or keep a position vacant until they’re able to find a better one? The authors present four traits that have the biggest impact on teams — reliability, job-readiness, a positive attitude, and good communication skills — and provide guidance for how to support your short-staffed team in the meantime.
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Attracting and Cultivating Talent Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Attracting and Cultivating Talent. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Discover how to attract, hire, develop, and keep talented people who will grow and thrive throughout their employee journey.