Clear hiring is kind
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on June 6, 2023. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
“Clear is kind.” It’s a phrase Brené Brown uses often and it’s one of my favorites–particularly when it comes to hiring staff. And for many in the northern hemisphere, right now is the height of hiring between the end and beginning of the school years.
A clear job description is kind
Whether you’re creating a new job description or modifying an existing one, it’s important to take time to review the description to make sure it encompasses what the job actually entails. Getting clear on the actual day-to-day tasks and how much time is spent on each task is helpful for the person who will fill the role, but also everyone around them.
Being clear on responsibilities is kind to the existing team and the new team member(s).
A clear job announcement is kind
While the job description is typically an internal document, the job announcement tells potential applicants exactly the type of person you want on your team. This is kind to them because they can quickly decide if they are a good fit or not, and it’s kind to you because you are able to focus your time on realistic prospects.
For example, it’s kind to say that as a nature-based teacher they would be outside the majority of every day of the school year–and in all weather. Or maybe you’re looking for someone to help lead your program towards a more nature-based approach. Say that directlyAnother important piece of the job announcement is listing the pay rate. This is kind to everyone. (And if you’re hesitating to list it for some reason, I would encourage you to reflect on why that is.)
Being clear on the ideal candidate for the position is kind to the hiring team and to candidates. (By the way, it’s also more equitable!)
A clear interviewing process is kind
When you reach out to applicants that you would like to interview, be clear on the process. How long will the interview be? What will be the format? How many people from your team will be attending? How many other candidates are you interviewing?
You can even show kindness to candidates by asking clear questions as well as questions that make it clear to them what you’re expecting for the position. This will also help the hiring team to get a clear picture of the candidate’s experience and expertise.
A clear onboarding process is kind
Believe it or not the onboarding process begins the moment you announce the position and continues through the interview process. However, the process of the job offer itself is probably the first significant onboarding step.
Be clear that you are excited to work with them. Be clear in what the hiring package includes (salary, benefits, etc.). Be clear about the start date. And, be clear before you make the offer about what is and isn’t negotiable in the hiring process.
I’ll go into more about onboarding in next week’s newsletter. If you’re wanting this information immediately, we do have a hiring and onboarding course inside The Grove.
Ultimately the more direct the communication, the kinder the entire hiring process will be to everyone involved. And let’s be honest, hiring is especially hard right now and yet one of the most important things we do–we need all the kindness we can get.
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
