1. ENVISION YOUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The most effective hiring employers are those who have a clearly defined idea of their ideal candidate. There’s no such thing as being too specific; list the education, experience, certifications, skills and personality you’d like to see in the person that would be joining your team or company.

2. PRIORITIZE

Consider organizing your list into three groups: Need, Want, Nice-to-Have. This will provide even more clarity for you and simplify the decision process. This is the time to be realistic with your desires and your budget.

3. UNDERSTAND THE POSITION

Most people list job requirements without providing any insight into what will be done on a day-to-day basis. If you’re not sure, talk with your team about what this position will do most of the time. Providing framework for this position goes hand-in-hand with prioritizing your list, making sure you find people who are most skilled in the areas you need most.

4. KNOW THE MARKETPLACE INTIMATELY.

What is the demand for this position? How much experience should you expect? Do skill sets transfer? What salary range should you consider? If you’re unsure about any of these items, let us shed some light based on similar positions, locations—even direct competitors.

5. KNOW WHAT RESOURCES YOU HAVE FOR ‘THE SEARCH’:

Tap into your own network: Your friends and colleagues may already know you and possibly somebody that’s good for your team.
Have an employee referral plan: Your existing team may not be thinking about their own network of people that may be good for your team. You can also learn a great deal about your own organization by how willing employees are willing to help you with your recruiting efforts.
Internal recruiting department: If you have an internal recruiting team, know their strengths and weaknesses and know how to work with them. They may not be technologists so be patient with helping them understand - I'm certain they want to help you if they know how!
Recruiting Agencies: Take the time to develop relationships with firms you prefer working with. An agency that understands your environment is that one that can consistently deliver quality people candidates for future searches.

6. KNOW HOW YOU WILL MAKE YOUR DECISION

Be prepared to pull the trigger when you find the right person. Identifying a great hire usually requires a lot of time, effort and expense and when you find a great person, the chances are that other companies are going to want that person too. Don’t lose a great person because of indecision or an unnecessary need to comparison shop.

7. TRUST YOUR INSTINCT

Listen to expert advice and do your homework, but always make the decision that you're confident in.