One of the most important pieces of the hiring process is the initial definition of an open position, according to Skip DeVilling, president of executive employment search firm DeVilling & Associates LLC. Distributors should clearly define each position they wish to fill before soliciting candidates, DeVilling says in The Hiring Disconnect in Distribution.

“The expectations along with the definition of the 'musts' and 'preferreds' are really important,” DeVilling says. It is critical to keep selection criteria consistent throughout the process for every candidate, something made possible through clearly defining the job’s qualifications.

Successfully defining a position is a two-step process. Once an initial definition has been created, Devilling recommends those in charge of hiring meet with others who will interact with the position to make sure that they agree with how it has been defined.

Only when the new role has been defined to everyone’s satisfaction should hiring managers begin to solicit, interview and assess candidates.