How to Hire A-Players: Finding the Top People for Your Team - Even If You Don't Have a Recruiting Department

Chapter 9. Interviewing and the Economic Value of Good Looks

As a friend of mine says, never underestimate the economic power of good looks. It's no secret that we all tend to pay attention to attractive people. Researcher and writer Kate Lorenz says, "Studies show attractive students get more attention and higher evaluations from their teachers, good-looking patients get more personalized care from their doctors, and handsome criminals receive lighter sentences than less-attractive convicts."^[9] Yet we all know that just because someone looks good, acts confidently, and communicates well does not mean that he or she will perform well. That is why it is so important to create an interview process that helps you to look beneath a person's surface to his or her accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses.

A-Players Are Attracted by High Standards

An executive I know recently interviewed for and accepted a leadership role with a new company. As part of the interview process, the company required him to engage in multiple interviews and a series of leadership and management assessments. The human resources person who was his liaison with this company apologized for how much time the whole process took. His reply was telling: "Please don't apologize. I think this whole process is terrific. It communicates to me that you are serious about hiring the best leaders you can find for this company." Far from being put off by the demanding interview process, he was attracted by it. He subsequently ...