Now that school just let out, you’re probably being inundated with resumes from new graduates. But, as one of the leading Houston, TX staffing agencies, Murray Resources knows this demographic can be tough to assess because they typically don’t have a lot of work experience.

So when it comes time to interview them, how can you tell whether or not they are a good fit for you? Here are a few tips to consider:

Tip #1: Determine your goal for hiring.

When it comes to an entry level position, your goal for hiring should be something along the lines of bringing in a new hire who has the ability to learn new skills quickly and who can develop into a valuable contributor. However, if your goal is to hire someone who can hit the ground running, then an entry level employee isn’t right for your needs.

Tip #2: Look beyond skill set.

A new grad is likely lacking in the skill set department. So instead of skills, look for those who are eager to learn, seem enthusiastic about your company, and have a personality that will mesh well with your company culture (you can assess this by conducting a personality test). Your goal should be to hire someone who is a good fit for the company and has the potential to develop into something great.

Tip #3: Assess the basics.

Again, since you can’t really evaluate skill set, look at other areas that can demonstrate to you whether or not a candidate is worth considering. For instance:

• Did they show up on time to the interview?
• Are they dressed professionally?
• Are they articulate and able to answer your questions?
• Do they ask meaningful questions about your company and the culture?
• Do they seem enthusiastic about the position?
• Will they be open to new ideas and receiving instruction?

Tip #4: Assign homework.

Yes, they’re out of school. But that doesn’t mean they’re done with homework. And since you don’t have a lot of information to go on to evaluate them – in the form of work experience and references – then assign them a task and see how they perform.

Don’t set them up for failure and give them a project that’s completely out of their league. But do give them a challenging assignment that enables you to assess their abilities, as well as their commitment to getting the job done.

And if you need additional help finding your next great hire, let Murray Resources know. As one of the leading Houston, TX staffing agencies, companies all over the city rely on our expertise to source and retain talent for for a variety of positions, ranging from entry level to C-level. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more.