I have been retained to work with a company to hire a Vice President for their organization. We developed an ideal candidate list, reviewed the job description, began recruiting and interviewed until we had narrowed down to a single promising candidate. We have interviewed the woman 3 times and sent her the job description. She successfully completed a skills assignment and wrote a 30/60/90- day plan to ensure success for her potential new position. I have called references of former bosses, peers and direct reports. To date, we have completed the entire interviewing process with this candidate. The only component left is the actual choice to hire or not and my client could not decide either way. We have an interview team of 9 people, who when asked for their insight, all had differing and conflicting thoughts. As another of my clients once described, “This is muddy data.”
So, what happens when you have completed your entire interviewing system with a candidate yet still do not feel confident in a choice? Well, let me make it clear.
If you are truly unable to make a confident hiring decision about an individual, they are not the right person for the position. Simply stated, do not hire them. The cost of training, development and retention of your employees is too large of a risk to take on an uncertain selection. If you are still “not sure” after an intensive and comprehensive interview process, consider the effects of a potential bad hire on your clients, other employees, vendors, and other business partners. The stakes are too high for you to decide on muddy data.
Hiring a new person is a big turning point for you and you company. If you have doubts, return to the beginning of your interviewing process: look at your ideal candidate list again, make sure that the vision for this role is still accurate. Check the job ad and ask yourself, “Did I articulate the vision for this position clearly?” Ultimately, my best advice is to keep looking.
You WILL clear up any questions that you have by holding out for the right fit. When the right person for your company comes along, you will feel as if you have won the lottery. If you do not feel that way, hold out until you do. It will be in everyone’s best interest.