Here are six things I’ve found that could help in your hiring process.
- For field personnel:
I first witnessed this while watching an interview for an installer. During the conversation, the manager casually gave the interviewee a piece of paper and asked him what number was on the paper. He didn’t react to the answer and just kept the conversation going.
What was on the paper? The color blindness test. If a field person is color blind he is going to have difficulty wiring. Here’s an Amazon link to where you can get the papers: https://amzn.to/42vuJLq
You can avoid the color blind issue with this test.
- For field and office personnel:
Ask the interviewee how they like to learn new things. The answer will be one of three ways: watching (visual learners), listening (auditory learners), or doing (kinesthetic learners)…or perhaps a combination of two.
Then ask for examples of how they learned a new skill. This gives you the way to train the new hire. If they prefer to learn by doing, don’t sit them in front of a computer to watch a program. They won’t retain it for long and you’ll get frustrated.
I find that most technicians are visual/kinesthetic learners – watch a process and then do the process so they retain it.
- For dispatchers:
Give them a map of the area and ask them to point out certain towns and areas. If they know the area, then it is easier for them to route technicians efficiently.
- For bookkeepers:
Give them the AIBA Bookkeeping test – I’ve used this test for years and have a copy of it with answers (email me: rking@ontheribbon.com for a copy). The only questions I don’t count are the depreciation questions – that, in my opinion, is the responsibility of your CPA.
- For controllers:
I developed a financial test to gauge their understanding of what the profit and loss statements and balance sheets mean. It covers all of the standard financial ratios. Owners should know this too – I teach it in my two day, Building Profit and Wealth class (see below for dates and info about the class). Email me: rking@ontheribbon.com for a copy of the test.
- Sales positions:
Give them a sales scenario they are likely to encounter. As the person to present the product to you (i.e. water heater, replacement unit, commercial maintenance plan, etc.). If the person doesn’t ask for the order, do not hire that person.
Thanks again for reading Contractor Cents. I appreciate you!
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Ruth King is well known as “The Profitability Master.” She is passionate about helping small business owners become profitable and stay profitable. For over 40 years she has coached, trained, and helped contractors and others achieve the business growth and goals they wanted to achieve.
Contact Ruth by emailing ruthking@hvacchannel.tv.
