Carolyn Jack

Editor and CEO, Geniocity.com
A project of The Genius Group LLC

Let’s make a hire

Well, the next few days ought to be interesting. Like every week since about last April, when I finally picked a launch date for my business and immediately acquired a to-do list the size of the national debt, this one has begun its life already crammed with obligations of every sort.

But among the more usual chores, such as seeking out new creative work for The Geniocity Shop and new bloggers for the Geniocity webzine and dealing with administrative stuff, I’ll also be conducting my first-ever interviews with official job candidates.

I’d like these to go well, naturally. So in the hope of not coming off as a complete nincowpoop, I’m working up some good questions and a comprehensive explanation of what the job and its goals involve. It’s not too different from preparing for an interview of a news source – you want to draw the person out, discover not only what he or she has done and experienced, but also what thought processes, perspectives, values, skills and creative ideas have shaped the individual’s character and work. 

But with a job candidate, you also have to be able to figure out if that person’s character and work will fit with the tasks and company culture the job brings with it. That’s what’s going to make the process an adventure for me.  I’m not much worried – more than anything, I’m elated at the prospect of getting some capable help with an important function that I have neither the time nor expertise to handle well myself. 

If I choose right, this hire could make an enormous difference to my company and to my peace of mind. If not … well, It may not be as funny as “Let’s Make a Deal,” but it won’t be ”The Lady, or the Tiger?” either. And at least I can be pretty sure my decision-making process won’t be interrupted by someone promising me $100 if I have a hard-boiled egg in my pocket.