At The Black Sheep, we’ve hired hundreds of students for a variety of on-campus positions, and finding the right fit is crucial. Starting off on the right foot is key, especially if the person you’re hiring is in charge of other students. If you hire a mediocre student and things start to go bad, you may end up losing the entire team. We’ve found that knowing when to pass on an applicant can often be the most important step of the hiring process.
Don’t force it. Never hire a student just to fill a position. Hiring a mediocre applicant may not seem like a big problem at first, but it can lead to serious issues down the road. If the applicant wasn't very good at the start, they aren't likely to get better. Managing a student that is barely putting in the effort is much more difficult than waiting a little longer to hire a candidate that is the right fit. So as tempting as it might seem to hire a so-so student, we advise against it.
Know what you're looking for. Do you need a student with prior experience, or can you hire someone without it? Does your candidate need to be outgoing and self-motivated, or be tech savvy? Make sure you know the qualities you'd like your ideal candidate to have. Since we hire students for so many positions, The Black Sheep has a list of ideal traits that students should have for each staff position. These guidelines will make it easier for you to narrow down which students will make the cut and which you should pass on.
Pay attention to the little things. Sometimes when choosing between two evenly matched candidates, you have to look at the smallest details in order to determine who will come out on top. Are there spelling errors in their resume or emails? Did one send a follow up email while the other didn't? Were they late responding to emails, or fell off the grid for a long period of time? These little mistakes may indicate larger problems, like attention to detail or time management. If you're having a difficult time deciding between two candidates, examining the details can help with decision making.
Gauge their interest level. Even if a candidate is everything you've ever dreamed about on paper, it won't matter if the job is something they aren't interested in and won't stick with. If a student is hesitant during their interview, take note. It may be a warning sign that if they're hired, they may not last long in the position. If you find another applicant that is similarly qualified and more enthusiastic, they may be the student to hire.
Don't pity hire. Although interest in the job is an important quality, don't hire a student just because they "need" the job or internship. Even if a student is over the moon about the position, if they aren't qualified or not what you're looking for, don't hire them. If they're lacking necessary skills or experience, it isn't a smart decision. Enthusiasm can only carry a student so far before certain qualifications are required.
Take their interview into large consideration. As with all hiring processes, the interview is extremely important. If a candidate can't impress you here, it's time to look for someone else. If a student can't talk to you, how are they going to interact with clients, coworkers, or manage other students? Enthusiasm, charisma, whether they ask questions, and how personable they are coupled with their experience should give you a clear idea on whether this is someone you want to hire. During a phone interview, gauge how well they speak to you. If you are able to do a video or in-person interview, body language can be a great indicator of their character. If they're only mediocre during the interview, then you need to pass.
Choosing between applicants can be a difficult and stressful process. Hiring the right student for the position is key, and if you're having a difficult time deciding between two students, these tips can help you make the tough choices.
