How to Avoid Hiring The Wrong Person

In The Staffing Workshop, I advocate a principle that I strongly believe in – ALWAYS interviewing 3 people for any open position.

Another staffing principle I recommend is to “Always Be Recruiting” (ABR). Always be looking for qualified people who you want to join your ministry team.

The natural question that follows when I teach these two principles is something like this: “If I’ve found someone that I think would be a great fit on our staff through the ABR method, should I still interview three people?”

And my answer is…. OF COURSE!

No matter what, you should always interview three people and here’s why:

  • Comparison Data – You get to see how “your” candidate really compares to others who are interested in the position. Without a measuring stick, it’s easy to convince yourself that even a mediocre candidate is head and shoulders above anyone else.
  • Improved Interviews – In the process of interviewing three candidates, you’ll be more likely to ask the tougher questions, dig a little deeper and get a clear picture of who the candidate is (and isn’t)
  • Avoiding One of Staffing’s Biggest Pitfalls – By going through the three interview process, you’ll avoid the situation that de-rails many otherwise healthy staffing decisions: falling in love with the candidate!

So, just in case you missed it… I always recommend interviewing at least three people for any open position.

I can tell you from personal experience and careful observation that you’ll be glad you did!

P.S. For more proven staffing principles in a comprehensive, almost six hour training resource, check out The Staffing Workshop.

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About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.

Nelson SearcyLeadership

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