September 26, 2010

7Effective Recruitment Techniques for Architects-II

“A professional is a man who can do his job when he doesn’t feel like it. 
An amateur is a man who can’t do this job when he does feel like it.”
–James Agata 1877-1974. diary





4. Selecting a candidate

There is no foolproof method of selecting a candidate. Each architectural firm has to develop its own method based on experience, requirement and affordability. It is a best practice to inform the Mr. X the process of selection criteria to receive a genuine response. 

You shall consider following before making a final selection:
  • The selection process should be handled professionally by competent staff. 
  • You can take Personal interview or a phone interview. 
  • Ask the relevant questions to explore the required skills, abilities, and attitudes. Avoid any personal questions in the first interview. 
  • You can ask for several tests like work-related ability tests, Graphology test (there is no scientific proof that handwriting can predict personality, however many organizations prefer to take the test) cognitive ability test, presentation, problem solving test, group discussion etc. 
  • Asked to give references of the past employees, or reputed people of the society.
  • Asked your candidate to permit your company to check the information and background of the candidate from the given references. 
  • Mr. X who may be selected, have right to negotiate the salary, perks, scope of growth, etc. Allow him to express his aspirations and expectations.
  • The rejection and negative consequences have lasting effect on applicants. Unsuccessful candidates need to be offered feedback. Professional but polite method should be evolved for saying ‘no’ to the candidate. 
  • Once Mr. X is selected, the terms and conditions of the employment shall be clarified before the final appointment. 
5. Welcoming the new Employee

Beginning a new job contains stresses and pressures that are often ignored in the excitement of a new start. The formal welcome from the chief person in the organization can make a new employee feel part of the organization.
  • Mr. X should be introduced to older employees and should be explained the nature of relationship with them.
  • Mr. X should be made aware of general issues, rules and the working practices. 
  • Mr. X should know about the arrangement of working hours, overtime, time sheets, meal time, outgoing time, storage and use of personal property.  
  • Mr. X should be handed over complete necessary forms for payroll, tax and pensions. Explain arrangements for payment and layout of pay slip.
  • Make sure that Mr. X is shown around and knows the office premises in detail like entrance, exit, canteen, car parking etc.
  • Mr. X should be introduced to immediate colleagues; he should know why they are important and their contribution to the organization.
The above mentioned are few steps, however the induction process lasts for a couple of months to get the feel of the firm personality. I consider this to be one of the most important processes which require constant follow ups.

“ If you pay peanuts, you will get monkeys” – anonymous

6. Retaining Employees

After a long time-consuming process, you have selected Mr. X and now he is on your team.  The employer and the employee may try to adjust to each other for establishing a long term relationship. Many important people start fault finding exercise and regrets their decision of choosing the candidate. But caring, nurturing, training, rewarding, appreciating, assigning the right job, paying an attractive salary, etc. creates a win–win situation for both the candidate and firm. Hiring and firing employees is a lengthy and expensive process. If you keep the employees happy, the success graph of the firm is bound to go up, up and up.

7. Good bye to the mismatch candidate: 

This is one of the most disappointing and unpleasant side of the recruitment process. 
Even after a lot of time, sincere efforts and adjustments, it is possible that the candidate and the firm do not get along. 
Thus, The way you define your hiring process in detail, similarly it is important to define your termination policy. Make the termination policy very clear, precise and legal so that no one has to part with bad taste in the mouth. Also, like a graceful entry, you should also give a graceful goodbye to your employee. 


All the above steps are a test of an employer's management skills. So, while you gather the right team for your firms keep reading and say yes to Architectural Management!!


for more interesting read :1- questionnaire for  knowledge worker - 
 credit Business in a box - http://www.biztree.com/help/upgrade.aspx
2- sample interview question checklist -   Handbook - AIA - 

Download the list of TOP Interview Questions: Click Here

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