Hire Power
I’ll be honest—hiring hasn’t always been my strong suit. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of misses, and if I could go back, I’d do things differently. But like anything else in business, you learn by doing, and hiring is no exception. When I first started, I assumed it was all about asking the right questions and checking off a list of qualifications. As I dug deeper into the process, I realized it’s about so much more than that.
There was one hire, early on, that really shifted my perspective. I needed someone who could hit the ground running, but I hired based on potential rather than what was right in front of me. I stretched the truth a bit about the job to make it sound more appealing. The hire seemed like a great fit at first, but within weeks, it was clear they were struggling. And I knew deep down—this wasn’t their fault. I hadn’t been honest about what I needed from them or what the job truly demanded.
That was my wake-up call. I realized I needed to be crystal clear on what I wanted—and what I couldn’t offer.
Knowing What You Want (and Don’t Want)
Since then, I’ve made it a point to define what’s non-negotiable. For me, it’s about initiative and creativity. My company moves fast, and I need people who can think on their feet and keep up. Overthinkers won’t survive here. We win business by delivering quickly and solving problems creatively. We don’t have the luxury of slowing down when things get tough; we push forward until we figure it out.
But that’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. What I’ve learned is that being upfront about what you can and can’t offer is the only way to attract the right people. I used to dance around the realities of the job, worried it might scare off good candidates. Now, I’m brutally honest from the start. I tell people straight-up: this isn’t easy work. If you’re looking for a cushy role with plenty of time to mull over decisions, this isn’t it. The right people are drawn to that honesty.
How to Spot the Right Fit in an Interview
Once I have a clear understanding of what I need, the next step is figuring out how to identify those qualities in an interview. For me, it’s all about behavior-based questions. I ask candidates to tell me stories—real ones. I want to know what happened, how they handled it, and what they learned. If you can’t tell me a clear story about your experiences, it’s a red flag. And if your stories feel rehearsed or vague, that’s another red flag. I’m not looking for perfection; I’m looking for authenticity.
I also pay close attention to how people talk about their current or past employers. It says a lot about their character. Why are they leaving? How do they describe their role? It’s important to me to hire someone who can reflect honestly on their experiences and show a level of integrity in how they navigate transitions.
And once I’ve decided you might be a fit for us, I start digging. I check social media, I look at public records, and I make calls. Hiring is a big decision, and I need to trust that someone’s character aligns with what we need. Skills can be taught, but character is non-negotiable.
Firing Fast Isn’t a Failure—It’s Fair
Even with all the best intentions, not every hire works out. My all-time favorite entrepreneur is Gary Vaynerchuk. His advice is jarring but spot on: “Fire fast.” It took me a while to get comfortable with that idea (because, yikes!), but the truth is, you know within a few days if someone’s the right fit. Dragging it out doesn’t do anyone any favors. To me, it’s not about the person; it’s about circumstance. Fit isn’t a reflection of someone’s character, and it doesn’t mean they aren’t good at what they do. It just means the role wasn’t the right match, and that’s okay.
What I’ve learned is that being honest, upfront, and clear about what I need has transformed the way I hire. I no longer feel like I’m guessing. And when a hire isn’t right, I’ve learned to make that call early, with respect and clarity.
Hiring isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. And when you get it right, the payoff is huge—for you, your team, and your business. If you want to improve your hiring process, check out our upcoming class Hire Power!
__________________
Want to immediately improve your interviews? Check out the Top 10 Questionable Questions to scrap from your interview guides today! Grab it for free here: https://monyokleadership.com/the-loop