6. Interviewing.
   This is the most important stage of hiring employees. Have all your policies and paperwork in the interview room for the applicant to view. Also have a list of questions you want to ask them. Open-ended questions are the best. Remember to pause and let silence fill the air from time to time. Most people are uncomfortable with silence and will try to fill it. Don't know what questions you should ask? Here is a list of some:
1. Which category do you put yourself under; work best under direct supervision or work best because I am self-motivated?
2. Tell me about your last employer.
3. List 5 personality traits you have that you feel will help you in this position
4. What could your previous employer have done differently that would have made you stay and continue to work there?
5. What is it you are looking for in a company?

There are a lot more, but this will get the ball rolling. After each answer the interviewer gives a pause before asking another one or commenting. The applicant may add to his/her statements and reveal more important data.
7. Testing.
   You should give every applicant a test. Now this test could be trade related or a simple mind test. For instance a test like:

   Instructions:
   Read all questions (1-10) before filling out answers.
   1. Are you left handed or right-handed? (Circle one)
   2. What size shoe do you wear? ____________________
   3. What is your favorite color? ____________________
   4. Do you have any siblings? ____________________
   5. What is your favorite animal? ____________________
   6. What sports do you participate in? ____________________________
   7. What is your favorite season? ____________________
   8. What is your favorite type of music? ____________________
   9. Only answer question number six. ____________________

   This test is very simple, but will show you if they will follow directions.


8. 2nd Interview.
   You have now weeded through the weak and have 2-3 candidates you are interested in. It is very important to conduct a second interview. This interview is to learn more about each other. Conduct this interview at a restaurant (not a fast food restaurant) and have a female co-worker present. At the restaurant watch their manners. This is the time they are on their best behavior. If they can't eat without dropping food in their lap, what are they going to do in your client's home? If they salt their food before they taste it, it usually means they jump to conclusions. As to the female co-worker a woman's intuition is a great tool. If the female co-worker would not allow them into her home, why should your client's?
9. . Background Check.
   Do a background check on anyone you hire. I know of a contractor that found the employee of his dreams. He tried to call the references listed and could never get anyone. He called the applicant and told him the delay. The applicant said he would check the numbers and call him back. A few days later the man was charged with murder. Don't let this happen to you.

By using these tips you will find that finding good employees is not the hardest battle...It's keeping them!

Till next week,

"My goal is to translate response into results.
Some teachers teach for others to learn. That's not me.
Some teachers teach for others to accomplish. That IS me."
   - By Jim Rohn