How to Select the Right HR Executive For My Company

Over the years whether in my role as a corporate VP of Human Resources or today in helping companies with their HR strategies, processes and programs, the question always is "How do I select the right human resources executive for my company."

To me the processes are not that much different whether you already have an HR department or you are just beginning to establish your first formal HR department. However, today my thoughts/suggestions are for those companies who are just beginning to establish their first formal HR department. For those of you just beginning the following are questions or steps to assist you:

1. Why you are adding this new function/position?
2. What are your expectations for this postion?
3. Who will the position report to in the management team? (Will who the position reports to impact the type of candidates who apply for the position)
4. What type background and experience will the HR person need to have to be successful at my company and in the job?
5. Do I understand the current HR processes and programs that are in place today in my company?
6. Do I know the required HR processes and programs that are needed in my company in the future in order for us to be a successful company?
7. Once you answer the above questions, then you need to decide, should I hire someone part-time, full-time or should I just outsource the entire function?
8. If you decide to hire someone on your staff then you need to develop a job description or job profile that outlines the duties, responsibilites, knowledge and competencies required for this position?
9. Now that the job description/profile is completed, what compensation package do I need to put in place in order to attract and hire the right person for the job?
10. How will I find this person? (Should I engage a search firm, advertise on job boards, network with my peers)
11. Once candidates are identified how do I screen out the right people for my job?
12. What interview questions do I ask the candidates to be sure they have the right background, experience and competencies to handle my HR job?
13. Who at my company should be involved in the interview process?
14. How do I tell if the person will fit my company culture?
15. Once a candidate is hired, what are the next steps?
16. Should I implement an orientation or onboarding process over the first few months?
17. What goals and objectives or expectations should I outline for the first 6 months and 12 months?
18. Who will explain the company culture, how decisions are made?
19. How often will I give feedback so the new person understands where they stand in the job?
20. What does success look like? 

Hopefully, you will find this above list of questions or steps to be useful as you build your HR fucntion.Good luck and be sure to hire the person that works best for you and your company.

Jim Geier
President and Founder
Human Capital Consulting Partners