Finding someone with the needed skills, experience, work ethic and enthusiasm is important to the operation of a law office. A hiring mistake can haunt you for years. Follow these six tips to avoid a hiring nightmare.
Prepare
Assess your hiring needs. Instead of relying solely on the existing job description, determine the actual duties of the open position. What are some unique characteristics, demands and expectations of the position? What are the common behaviors, traits, and values among the most successful and satisfied attorneys in your office? Craft a new position notice if need be. Then tailor your interview questions to extract information that will reveal whether the candidate possesses the traits and skills required to fill the position.
Inquire effectively
Think about the phrasing and content of interview questions. Ask questions to elicit info about past behavior that can predict future behavior. For example: "How did you make connections with your clients to gain their trust when you worked at the law clinic?" Also, answers to difficult substantive questions may give you a clue about how a candidate will handle an assignment under pressure.
Ask consistent questions
Ask all candidates the same questions to maintain consistency. Off-limit questions include those regarding race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family, religion, finances, health and political affiliation.