Hiring a professional staff
Evaluating Qualifications
Your goal is to select an individual whose qualifications best match your organization’s needs. With your position description, you defined one idea of the equation: what your golf course needs. As your search begins to net some prospective candidates, it’s time to start looking at the other side of the equation: what the candidate has to offer. It’s important to provide each candidate interviewed with a copy of the position description. Don’t make candidates guess what you are looking for. Both your facility and the successful candidate are better served by open, honest communication.
The best way to begin an interview is with easy, non-controversial questions. They help alleviate anxiety and tension. An interview should establish good rapport with the candidates. Good rapport depends on three factors: the way the interviewer greets the applicant, the atmosphere of the room in which the interview is held, and the tone used during the opening minutes. To get off to a good start, the interviewer should personally greet the candidate by name when he/she arrives. Interviews should be held in a private office or conference room. This provides a more comfortable atmosphere than having a desk positioned between the interviewer and the candidate.
Be sure to ask each candidate the same questions and take notes during the interview. Encourage the candidate to take notes as well. By asking each candidate the same questions, you will be able to weigh them fairly against one another. Encourage the candidate to ask questions of you during the interview process. This is also a time for the candidate to clarify their knowledge of what the position entails.
Be aware that there are certain questions you cannot ask a job applicant. To protect yourself from a lawsuit, stick to questions that will tell you if the applicant has the skills to do the job.
You should provide candidates with a copy of your organization’s personnel policies manual. This will help potential employees understand the overall mission, goals and formal structures of your operation. Another important process, too often neglected, is allowing the applicant an opportunity to observe the golf course and maintenance center. Both the employer and the candidate can learn a great deal about one another during an informal tour of the grounds and facilities.
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