In this week’s episode of “Ecommerce Conversations,” we dive deeper into the world of entrepreneurship, focusing on the crucial aspect of hiring the right personnel for marketing, operations, and product roles. As we step into 2025, it’s essential to understand the key strategies and steps involved in bringing in the right people at the right time.
At Beardbrand, we believe in quality over quantity when it comes to hiring. Rather than focusing on increasing employee count as a measure of success, we prefer to have a lean team of specialists who can drive the company forward. Here are the eight steps we follow to ensure we attract and hire the best talent:
1. Attract Candidates: We create job opportunities that are exciting and irresistible, highlighting what makes the role and our company unique. By using landing pages, videos, and industry-specific job boards, we aim to attract qualified candidates who align with our values and vision.
2. Filtering Applicants: Instead of solely relying on resumes, we prioritize cover letters that demonstrate a candidate’s understanding of the role and how their skills can contribute to our team. Strong communication skills are key, especially in remote work environments.
3. Basic Skills: Candidates undergo a simple skills test, including a typing test to assess their computer proficiency and a writing task based on our core values to gauge cultural alignment.
4. Phone Screening: A 15-minute phone screening helps us clarify expectations, assess candidate communication skills, and ensure alignment on key factors such as remote work, compensation, and job duties.
5. Competency Skills: Candidates are evaluated based on their ability to perform the role, with customer service applicants handling tickets and graphic designers completing real-time projects under observation. Tools like the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test help measure problem-solving abilities.
6. Grading Interview: We focus on the candidate’s past job experiences, asking specific questions to understand their behavior and performance trends.
7. References: Reference checks provide valuable insights into a candidate’s fit, skills, and cultural alignment, guiding our final hiring decision.
8. Hire with Confidence: We only extend offers to candidates whom we are confident will thrive in our company, avoiding the pitfalls of hiring with the intention of firing if things don’t work out.
By following these steps and focusing on quality over quantity, we ensure that our team at Beardbrand is composed of dedicated specialists who drive our company’s success. Hiring the right people at the right time is crucial for sustainable growth and long-term success in the ever-evolving world of ecommerce.