New Hires: Warm Bodies or Assets?
Winner of the most dreaded interview question:
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Used properly, this question can screen potential applicants for a job opening. Every office has a current set of skills that needs to be complemented, not duplicated.
As you are considering new hires, look at the overall team already in place. What strengths are present? You probably don't need another team player with those same strengths. Consider where the team's weaknesses lie. Look for a candidate who is strong where your team is weak.
If you are in an administrative position, identify your weaknesses then look for people in your organization who can come along side you to fill those voids.
When all employees are strong in the same area and weak in the same area, a business is ill-equipped to meet the needs of its customers. In our current economic climate, qualified candidates abound. You don't have to fill an open position with a warm body. You have the luxury of only hiring assets.