Summary of “The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired: Performance-based Hiring Series” by Lou Adler (2013)

Summary of

Human Resources and Talent ManagementRecruitment and Hiring

The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired: Performance-based Hiring Series

Introduction

Lou Adler’s “The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired: Performance-based Hiring Series” (2013) serves as a comprehensive manual for both hiring professionals and job seekers. Emphasizing the Performance-based Hiring (PBH) methodology, Adler outlines a systematic approach aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the hiring process. This summary encapsulates the book’s main themes, supported by concrete examples and actionable steps for implementation.


1. The Fundamentals of Performance-based Hiring

Key Points

  • Performance Profiling:
  • Concept: Focus on identifying performance objectives rather than traditional job descriptions.
  • Action: Create job profiles that emphasize deliverables, such as “Increase sales by 20% in the first year” instead of vague requirements like “needs a degree in marketing.”

  • Critical Question Method:

  • Concept: Instead of asking routine questions, ask questions that help determine if the candidate can meet the performance objectives.
  • Action: Use questions like, “Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a significant challenge to meet a sales target.”

Concrete Examples

  • A hiring manager looking for a sales executive might determine success not by years of experience but by past achievements like successfully launching a product that reached $1 million in sales within the first year.

2. Sourcing Top Candidates

Key Points

  • Creating Candidate Pipelines:
  • Concept: Develop ongoing relationships with potential candidates even if a role isn’t currently open.
  • Action: Regularly update a database of promising professionals and nurture these connections through networking events and social media.

  • Leveraging Employee Referrals:

  • Concept: Employees can be a rich source of qualified candidates.
  • Action: Implement a structured referral program where employees are incentivized to recommend high-quality candidates.

Concrete Examples

  • A tech company might host hackathons or workshops not only to engage with the tech community but also to identify and build relationships with top coding talent.

3. Recruiting: Attracting and Engaging Talent

Key Points

  • Developing a Compelling Employer Brand:
  • Concept: A strong employer brand attracts top talent by showcasing what makes the company a great place to work.
  • Action: Highlight unique aspects such as company culture, career development opportunities, and employee success stories on social media and the company website.

  • Creating Job Posts that Sell:

  • Concept: Job descriptions should excite potential candidates about the position and the company.
  • Action: Use language that speaks to the ideal candidate’s desires and career goals rather than just posting a list of responsibilities and requirements.

Concrete Examples

  • A startup might share videos on social media showing behind-the-scenes footage of their innovative projects and testimonials from employees about their growth and development within the company.

4. Interviewing: The Evidence-based Approach

Key Points

  • Structured Interviews:
  • Concept: Standardized interviews where each candidate is evaluated on the same criteria.
  • Action: Develop a set list of performance-related questions and use a scoring system to objectively evaluate responses.

  • The Performance-based Interview (PBI):

  • Concept: Questions are designed to assess the candidate’s ability to meet the job’s performance objectives.
  • Action: Ask scenario-based questions, like “How would you approach improving customer satisfaction by 15% over the next six months?”

Concrete Examples

  • A financial analyst position might require candidates to analyze a case study during the interview and present recommendations, showcasing their analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.

5. Assessing and Selecting the Right Candidate

Key Points

  • Scorecard Method:
  • Concept: Use a detailed scorecard to evaluate each candidate against the defined performance objectives.
  • Action: Rate candidates on each objective, such as technical skills, cultural fit, and past performance, giving a total score that aids in making the final decision.

  • Panel Interviews:

  • Concept: Use a diverse panel to get varied perspectives on each candidate.
  • Action: Involve team members from different departments who will interact with the new hire, ensuring a holistic assessment.

Concrete Examples

  • For a senior management role, the scorecard might include criteria such as leadership performance, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities, with each panel member contributing their evaluation.

6. Closing and Onboarding

Key Points

  • Offer Negotiation:
  • Concept: Create a win-win scenario where the offer satisfies both the company’s constraints and the candidate’s expectations.
  • Action: Clearly communicate the total compensation package, including benefits and growth opportunities, and be flexible where possible.

  • Effective Onboarding:

  • Concept: Systematic onboarding process that ensures new hires quickly become productive.
  • Action: Develop a structured onboarding plan that includes training, mentorship, and regular check-ins.

Concrete Examples

  • After hiring a software engineer, a tech firm might plan a three-month onboarding program that includes technical training, corporate orientation, and pairing with a senior engineer as a mentor.

7. Job Seeking Strategies

Key Points

  • Building a Personal Brand:
  • Concept: Create an online presence that showcases your skills, achievements, and what sets you apart.
  • Action: Regularly update LinkedIn with accomplishments, engage in industry discussions, and publish relevant content.

  • Creating a Performance-based Resume:

  • Concept: Emphasize specific achievements and quantify them where possible.
  • Action: Instead of listing duties, highlight contributions like “Increased departmental efficiency by 30% through the implementation of a new workflow system.”

Concrete Examples

  • A marketing professional might detail how a campaign they led resulted in a 50% increase in lead generation within three months, demonstrating their impact clearly.

8. Acing the Interview

Key Points

  • STAR Method:
  • Concept: Structure responses to behavioral questions using the Situation, Task, Action, Result format.
  • Action: Practice answering common performance-based questions using the STAR method to keep responses focused and impactful.

  • Research and Preparation:

  • Concept: Understand the company, role, and industry trends thoroughly before the interview.
  • Action: Conduct in-depth research and prepare customized questions that demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

Concrete Examples

  • Preparing for an interview with a healthcare company, a candidate might research the latest industry regulations and be prepared to discuss how their experience aligns with the company’s recent compliance efforts.

Conclusion

Lou Adler’s “The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired” offers robust strategies for both recruiting professionals and job seekers. By focusing on performance objectives and evidence-based methods, both parties can significantly improve their effectiveness in hiring and securing roles. The book provides actionable steps and detailed examples for applying these principles, ensuring that the right candidates are matched with the right roles, thus driving organizational success and career satisfaction.

Human Resources and Talent ManagementRecruitment and Hiring