35.3. Conclusion

The secret to hiring is good planning and follow-through. Hiring SAs starts with a good job description. The job description helps to define the skill level required and the soft skills needed, and it helps to direct the interviewers’ questioning toward relevant topics. It is also used for recruiting appropriate candidates. The best way to recruit good candidates is through personal recommendations from customers and staff. Other ways that are oriented toward technologically minded people are also good.

The skill level of the person hired has financial implications, and companies should be aware of the hidden costs of hiring underqualified staff with lower salary requirements. The interview process should give the candidate the opportunity to meet the key people with whom she will be working, if hired. The interviewers should represent the company at its best. They should respect the candidate and make sure that the interview experience is pleasant. The technical and soft skills required for the job should be divided among the interviewers, and they should all know how to interview for their assigned skills.