Trust your instincts and don't be trigger shy

Trust your instincts – don’t be trigger shy

I find with start-ups most execs are a little unsure of themselves when it comes to hiring. Especially my international clients who are doing their first hiring in the US. A new employee is such a crucial endeavor for a startup, that they treat it like buying a new home. They really have to see a lot before they can make such a large decision. They seem to have trouble trusting their own instincts that they almost have to make the mistake of losing a great prospect before they feel ready to make a decision.

It’s unfortunate for me, because my firm ends up doing the search two or three times before we can seem to get the timing right. If there were only a way to convince our clients that we “know” good candidates….we see them all the time. We are experts in the area of identifying talent.

Obstacles to avoid in hiring:
1) Slow decision making – not realizing quick enough that the market is good and the better candidates are not around for long
2) Board involvement – the more people involved in the decision…the more disagreement over candidates, slower process etc.
3) Process problems – with a slower more uncertain hiring process…candidates don’t feel “wanted” and “loved”. If they are real superstars, they are going to want to go where they get this….they want to feel they bring tremendous value
4) Don’t be cheap…good candidates cost more. With all things, you get what you pay for. Is it worth it to restart an entire search over a small portion of options or 5-10k? Probably not.

In summary – trust your instincts make quick decisions and provide competitive compensation – only then will you attract the best and brightest.