If there is one thing I have done a lot of over the years…it’s hiring staff.I have gotten pretty good at it, but it sure took long enough. Hiring the perfect person for the job just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the help of some new tools to help fit the puzzle pieces of personalities and skill sets together.

These tools are essential to hire the right person and help determine whether the applicant you think is amazing will turn out to be long term relationship material, or just a flash in the pan, leaving you back at square one.

Hiring staff can be a make or break decision for your practice. Your staff is an integral part of your success, both in your brick and mortar office and in your virtual business. Hiring the right staff will pay off for years to come in your sanity levels and business success. In order to get great staff, you need to write a great ad. Here’s how:

How to write a great ad

#1) Give explicit instructions to rule people out

If someone can’t follow directions when applying for the job, how well will they be able to follow your directions once they have landed the job? My guess is not very well at all!

Give instructions to include a certain word in the headline of the email when they send over their application. Request they send a cover letter telling you why they are interested in the job, and what skills they may have to make them stand out from the crowd.

Require they copy and paste their resume and cover letter in the body of the email,  (this saves you from opening a million attachments). And then rule out anyone who did not do any one of the three things you specifically requested; you need someone who can take direction and do exactly what you want them to do, no exceptions! Don’t even peek at the resume they attached… I have done this for 20 years, and if they cannot get this piece right, you will constantly be frustrated by the little details they miss when you do hire them…don’t do it!

#2) Let them know exactly what you’re looking for

Be specific about who you’re looking for and what you expect from them. Evaluate your needs and write out ALL duties (not just the fun ones to sell the job!) Are you looking for someone to…

• Create task lists and to keep them updated?
• Answer phones swiftly and troubleshoot incoming calls?
• Teach other members of your staff new skills?
• Communicate with clients on a daily basis?
• Prepare and analyze reports on a weekly basis?
• Head up your marketing and/or sales?
• Smile like they mean it?
• Clean the office refrigerator once a week?

Clearly outlining the skills you are looking for will attract the right people so that you can find yourself picking from the right crop.

#3) Sell them on working for you

Top talent requires a great work environment to keep them happy, stimulated, and satisfied with their position in the company.

The same way you market to your patients, you need to market to your potential staff. What will they get out of working for your company? What incentives do you offer? What makes your company such a great place to work?

Is there opportunity for growth, both in the company and personally? Do you offer training? Healthcare benefits? Discounts on services you provide in the offer (or free services after a period of time)? Bonuses based on performance? A rewarding and satisfying career path?

It’s also important to find someone who shares your vision. Make sure that your ad includes a bit about your mission and what your company stands for.

By including these three things in your ad, you will find an employee who can follow directions and is detail-oriented, is clear about the expectations of the position, and is excited and motivated to join your team.