Learn an Interviewing Tip or Two Ordering Mock Cocktails

Was in NYC last month and one of the things my husband and I like to do is watch broadway plays and eat!

Before seeing “Glass Menagerie” starting Sally Fields, which by the way was a pretty intense show, grabbed dinner at The Lambs Club, right across the street from the theatre…couldn’t have planned an impromptu reservation any better.

The Lambs Club is an old established thespian club (started in the 1800’s) with a dining room dripping in history including one of those big 10ft high and wide fire places.

Got the feeling that it was the type of place that probably makes killer cocktails.

My instincts were spot-on.

Once seated, the waiter came with a drink menu.

Included were 3 beautifully described Mock Cocktails. Been laying off “the juice” (alcohol) so was excited to order a special “virgin” libation.

Couldn’t decide on which one.

Torn between the Cucumber Cooler or Rosemary Blush…the blush caught my eye.

However instead of going with my gut I asked the server for her recommendation.

After a couple of qualifying questions she suggested the Cucumber Cooler which arrived beautifully presented.

Took one sip and immediately knew it was too tart!

Wound up timidly, sending back my drink and getting the citrusy Rosemary Blush which was perfect.

What the heck does all this drink talk have to do with recruiting?

I’ll tell you what…once you know what you want don’t deviate from the plan OR let someone else change your mind.

Same rule applies to hiring.

When you’re interviewing a club candidate, know the qualifications you want and the type of person that will excel in the position. And never deviate from needed qualifications.

How do you know what you want?

Learn from past employee/employees, what you liked and disliked about them and write it down. (For new positions list your top qualifications needed for that particular postion).

For example, if you’re seeking a General Manager did the last one have great people skills, did he give good “warm and fuzzies” by interacting with the membership and guests daily or did he prefer staying behind a desk?

Did he communicate with the Membership Director and help create new marketing ideas or did he have poor sales skills .

Was he weak or strong on budget management?

Were employees motivated or was there high turnover?

Did Board members push him around or did he command respect from the Board?

You get my drift.

Go a step further and develop a job ad and/or job description (or at the very least update an existing one) around these wants. Theres a big difference between job ads and job descriptions….we’ll discuss this topic another time.

Once you figure out your “Want List” (notice I use Want vs Wish list…wishes are something you would like to have, wants are needed), Don’t deviate from the list when interviewing candidates.

If you’ve done the work and know what you want, do not let a candidate or anyone else for that matter talk you into hiring a someone for the wrong reasons.

Don’t sway from the plan.

You’re more likely to hire the best candidate if you develop a plan and stick to it!