Employees have the ability to attract new customers, develop new products and services, and become your greatest salespeople. Alternatively, they can also drive away customers, negatively impact service and product quality, and totally ruin your business. That’s why hiring the right person is so important. So here are five tips to start a hiring process that attracts candidates that can make a positive contribution to your company’s success.

1. Define the job and the process. It’s important to start with a clear description of the job’s tasks, responsibilities and the measurement of performance. In addition, there should be a step-by-step process for how each task should be completed, encompassing quality standards, service levels, and how much freedom the employee has to make their own decisions.
2. Don’t focus too much on experience. Unless the job requires a unique set of technical skills, chances are an employee can be trained. Instead, look for all the traits that can’t be taught, like energy, professionalism, commitment, the ability to learn, and a desire to lead.
3. Turn to your network. Your friends, colleagues, and current employees can be a great source for professional references. Not only do they already know the potential hire, but they also know your personality and management style. So you’re more likely to find someone that matches your values and beliefs.
4. Be open to opportunities. You may not discover your future perfect employee through conventional methods. He or she could be working at the store you shop at, employed by your competitor, or even be a current customer.
5. Have an improvised interview. Plato said you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. For employers, this means that beyond the typical questions about education and experience, the most telling signs of a potential employee’s “fit” may be discovered during a informal conversation about hobbies, sports, or your industry. While unusual, some companies have taken this belief even further by making a round of golf part of the interview process.

Marc Gordon is a recognized marketing expert. He regularly appears on TV and radio. His articles appear in over 200 publications worldwide. Visit marcgordon.ca or his online show at marctv.net for more business tips.