[WARM GUN 2014] PatientsLikeMe, Kim Goodwin, "You’re Hired! Strategies for Finding the Perfect Fit"

TL;DR

Hiring designers is like dating on a deadline, focusing on skill alignment is crucial for successful hires.

Transcript

morning warm gun thank you my friends they threatened to throw out and fruit at me but instead they said hello that's good okay so i'm sure most of you guys uh grew up understanding the or having heard the story of cinderella right we all know the deal the evil stepsisters rip apart cinderella's dress the fairy godmother comes along and rescues her... Read More

Key Insights

• 😤 Hiring designers should involve a strategic approach similar to dating on a deadline, focusing on long-term team growth plans.
• 👋 The market for hiring designers is competitive, requiring precise evaluation criteria to filter out good candidates.
• ❓ Thorough assessment of candidates' problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and adaptability are essential for successful hires.
• 😤 Designers need to be self-aware of their skill levels and realistic about their capabilities to foster growth and development within a team.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is hiring compared to dating, and why should it be approached strategically?

Hiring is like dating with a deadline as employers and candidates have a lot to lose, requiring commitment. Strategic hiring ensures skill alignment and fosters success in long-term engagements.

Q: Why is it crucial for companies to focus on long-term growth plans while hiring designers?

Long-term growth plans help in understanding the team's future skill needs, ensuring proactive hiring to avoid delays in finding the right candidates, thus maintaining momentum and efficiency.

Q: How can companies overcome the challenge of filtering out good candidates during the hiring process?

By focusing on specific evaluation criteria related to problem-solving skills, communication, and adaptability, companies can avoid filtering out potentially good candidates too early based on resume keywords.

Q: Why is it essential for designers to be self-aware of their skill levels and realistic about their capabilities?

Realistic self-assessment is crucial for designers to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. It helps in setting clear expectations during the hiring process and ensures growth and development in a team environment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Drawing parallels between Cinderella's story and the hiring process highlights common hiring anxieties and the importance of thorough selection.

• Hiring should be a strategic process with a focus on long-term growth plans, skill sets needed, and distinguishing between generalists and specialists.

• The market for hiring designers is competitive, requiring filtering good candidates based on realistic evaluation criteria and not just relying on resumes or portfolios.