Looking for the right person to do the job could take weeks, even months. When was the last time you regretted having hired someone? Was the last one you hired last week worth a cent?

Sometimes you just find yourself with no other option but to hire ASAP; which means your topmost priority is availability and not qualifications. Don’t be trapped with employees you never should have hired in the first place.

Examine your applicants very carefully. The first interview is always of topmost importance. Is he late? Did he bring all the requirements? Is he eloquent? Although you’re after a person’s skills, the applicant should be able to make a good impression. Beware of posers. You need a person with skills and not a person with character. But you can never trust an insincere employee regardless of competence. Work is not just about excellence in beating deadlines, or making good presentations. It’s also about surrounding yourself with trust-worthy people who will not say bad things behind your back.

You should never hire a person who doesn’t value teamwork. You are successful because you work efficiently with your co-workers. Teamwork is important because some projects need more than one person. Ask your applicant what he thinks about teamwork.

The moment you realize you’ve made a mistake of hiring someone, go ahead and fire him. Don’t let a single person affect your productivity.