When you’re ready to bring on a new team member, it’s usually a good sign that business is doing well and you’re ready to expand your success. It’s going from that realization to actually bringing on the new hire that can be a bit of a winding road. How will you reach the candidates you’re seeking, and how will you ensure they’re a fit with the team that you have now? In many ways, it comes down to connecting.

Network

The top talent isn’t usually looking for jobs. They’re employed, putting that talent to use. This doesn’t mean they’re unavailable, but it does mean you may need to get more creative than a job posting to reach them. The more connected you are in your community and your industry, the better chance you have of connecting with these top picks. Perhaps a friend knows of someone ready to move on from their company, and they send them your way. Maybe you reach out to someone you’d love to have onboard, and though they aren’t ready for a move, they recommend a great candidate who is. The more you expand your network, the more you expand your possibilities. In addition to opening up more channels for connecting, networking also helps to build your brand and visibility. When you approach someone with a recruitment opportunity, and they know nothing about you, it’s understandable that it may be difficult to catch their interest. On the other hand, if you have a reputation as a great manager leading a strong team and promoting an enjoyable work culture, people are more likely to hear what you have to say.

Get to know candidates

I mean actually get to know them. Break the traditional interview process that’s full of the same expected questions as every other interview. Sure, some of those questions may be helpful, but you also know the candidate probably has a prepared response ready to go. When you’re both following a script like this, how much are you really getting to know them? You’re not just looking at their qualifications and experience. It even goes beyond their personal qualities and goals. You’re looking to see if they’ll be a fit for your team, if they’ll thrive in the culture you’ve created. You can maintain a professional level of respect while still making the interview process a bit more personable. Whether you head out for a walk, meet for lunch, bring in some new questions, or change up your format, when you strive to truly connect with candidates, you’ll be much more likely to choose the right one.

Engage your team

One new hire isn’t going to fix a broken team. When you want to expand your team, you want to work from a strong foundation. Take the time to get to know your employees individually, plan team-building events that employees will enjoy, and foster an environment of openness. When you’re connected to your team, you’ll be able to better find the right fit. And when all the members of your team are connected, it will be easier for a new hire to join in.

 

For a manager to succeed in growing his team, he needs to prioritize connecting with those around him. From other professionals in the industry, to candidates themselves, to his own team members, expanding that web and strengthening those bonds will pave the way for successful hiring.