Become a Master of Hiring

Discover how the right hiring approach can transform your business-and why working with a business coach could be the game-changer you need.

Why Mastering Hiring Matters

Hiring is one of the most crucial decisions a business owner makes. The right hire can supercharge your growth; the wrong one can set you back months. Whether you're expanding due to rapid growth or replacing a key team member, mastering the hiring process isn't just beneficial – it's essential.

Yet many business owners struggle with hiring because they lack the systems, structure, or strategic insight. That’s where business coaching comes in, giving you the clarity and confidence to recruit effectively.

Define the Role with Precision

One of the biggest hiring mistakes? Starting the recruitment process without knowing exactly who you're looking for.

• Clearly map out where the role fits into your org chart.

• Define responsibilities, expected outcomes, and KPIs.

• List the five most important behavioural traits and technical skills.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish—know the role before you advertise it.”

If this feels overwhelming or vague, it’s a sign that a business coach can help you get strategic clarity fast.

Attract the Right Candidates with a Strategic Job Ad

A well-written job ad can be the difference between attracting high-quality applicants and being overlooked entirely.

Craft a Job Ad That Speaks to Them

Become a master of hiring by speaking directly to your ideal candidate. Don’t just write a job ad, craft a compelling invitation that resonates.

Key Tools for Strategic Hiring:

• Focus on what your candidate wants: recognition, career growth, a vibrant team culture.

• Avoid dull openings like "We are a successful business..."

• Lead with a problem they want solved: "Feeling undervalued? Ready to lead meaningful projects?"

Find Your Ideal Candidate Where They Are

Not all ideal candidates are actively job hunting. Think beyond job boards.

• Use LinkedIn groups, Facebook communities, sporting clubs, and industry events.

• Share opportunities via word of mouth, community chats, or niche forums.

• Remember: Great candidates might not be looking, they need to be found.

Create a Thoughtful Application Process

Don’t overwhelm yourself by reading 100 resumes. Design a process that filters for quality, not quantity.

• Include a closing date and a clear call to action.

• Request a voice message or selfie video if the role demands communication or presentation skills.

• Ask for specific mini tasks related to the role (e.g., write a mock email, create a 30-second ad, reconcile a bank statement).

These steps reveal much more than a resume ever could. If you find yourself guessing through this process, it might be time to implement a hiring system, something a business coach can help you build.

Conduct Interviews That Reveal True Potential

Interviews aren’t about charisma, they’re about compatibility and capability.

Structure the Interview for Real Insight

How to become a master of hiring in the interview room? Treat it like a two-way audition.

Prepare thoroughly:

• Plan the structure and set expectations with the candidate.

• Include a real-world challenge or role-related task.

• Use Pareto’s 80/20 rule: They should talk 80% of the time.

Ask Questions That Go Deeper

Avoid generic questions. Aim for insight.

• Use behavioural questions: “Tell me about a time you overcame a major obstacle.”

• Add curveballs that highlight values and self-awareness.

• Find out what drives them—what motivates and excites them?

Pro Tip: Include real-life problem-solving in the interview. It shows how they think under pressure.

Conduct Team-Based Second Interviews

Hiring isn't a solo sport. Let your existing team help evaluate cultural fit.

• Hold a second interview in a casual setting like a coffee shop.

• Watch how they interact with potential colleagues.

• Ask team members for candid feedback post-meeting.

This isn’t just about capability, it’s about chemistry. And it’s also a key focus area many business coaches work on, building strong team dynamics from the start.

Use DISC Profiling to Validate Fit

Match Personality Traits to Hiring Needs

When hiring, matching the right behavioural profile to the job function is critical. Personality plays a powerful role in performance. DISC profiling helps ensure alignment.

DISC profiling helps identify if someone is:

• Detail-oriented and cautious (C)

• People-focused and persuasive (I)

• Calm and dependable (S)

• Fast-paced and assertive (D)

Match the profile with the job, sales roles need high I or D, while bookkeeping may suit high C.

Understand What Motivates Them

Beyond behaviour, motivations matter.

• Are they driven by money, status, service, structure, or creativity?

• Do their motivators align with your company culture and the role's expectations?

Use DISC to confirm fit with the job, the team, and the company culture. When motivations and traits align, retention skyrockets.

This is a powerful step where business coaches can provide tools, interpretation, and team development insights.

Check References-Thoroughly

This is the final step before making an offer-and it's one too many business owners skip.

What to Ask During Reference Checks

Ask questions that validate what you’ve learned.

• What did they contribute to your organisation?

• Would you rehire them?

• What’s one strength and one area for improvement?

• Ask open-ended questions and listen between the lines.

If something feels off, trust your gut. A lukewarm reference speaks volumes.

Becoming a Master of Hiring

Hiring isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about finding someone who will thrive in your business and elevate your culture. By planning ahead, getting crystal-clear on who you need, and building a thorough and engaging recruitment process, you dramatically improve your chances of getting it right the first time.

Still feeling unsure? That’s exactly why many business owners invest in coaching, to streamline hiring systems, reduce risk, and gain a trusted sounding board during big decisions.

FAQs about Hiring

1. How can business coaching help me improve my hiring process?

Business coaching provides expert frameworks, insights, and accountability to help you build an efficient, values-aligned hiring system.

2. What is DISC profiling, and how does it help in hiring?

DISC profiling assesses behavioural traits and motivators, helping you match the right personality type to the role and team culture.

3. Where should I advertise to find the best candidates?

It depends on your ideal hire, beyond job boards, consider industry groups, social media, and community networks where your candidate is already active.