The interview process can feel daunting and overwhelming. There are many characteristics you want in your next hire, and deciding the best questions to ask in an interview is an art. Here are four skills that we recommend you focus on as you prepare to interviewcandidates.
1. Effective Communication – Are you hiring church staff members who communicate well both verbally and in writing? In an email-based world, it’s just as important to articulate yourself professionally through email and twitter as it is face-to-face. Sloppy misspellings or using improper grammar is one of the fastest ways to make a poor impression. Take the time to proofread your emails, practice your sermons, and make sure you hire team members who communicate with excellence.
2. Personal Branding – Research potential candidates’ online presence before you interview them. Is their online presence consistent? Does it appear that he or she personally represents the values you uphold as a ministry? Do they have an online influence through social media and blogging? Hiring church staff members with a personal brand helps your ministry’s brand because your sphere of influence is greater when your staff is posting updates about what God is doing through your ministry.
3. Agility – We talk a lot about agility here at Vanderbloemen because we believe church leaders are able to adapt efficiently to solve problems effectively. Are you hiring church staff members who are resistant to change or church staff members who are innovative problem solvers? Change-resisters may slow down a growing ministry, but flexible problem solvers will help take it to the next level.
4. Focus – This characteristic is especially important in ministries experiencing rapid growth. If you are hiring for a position that is expected to grow a specific ministry or project, be sure you hire a focused person who is a proven time manager. Test their efficiency by asking them case study questions like, “What would you do in a situation like….” or giving them a project with a deadline as part of the interview process.
These are just four of many skills we suggest you look for as you hire new team members.
What are some other characteristics you are looking for in your next church staff hire?