Before You Replace an Employee

Remember that each person has a profound effect on the day-to-day course of his job.  When you replace someone (for whatever reason) be sure to examine the job as the rest of the company currently perceives it.  Perhaps the exiting employee added something that’s now critical, or deleted something that the others still need.  Write a comprehensive job description.  When you write your posting for the job boards, break it down into the following headings:

Overall Job Description: No more than 5 sentences giving a high level overview of the job.

“Must have” skills and experience: if any of these are missing from the resume, discard it.

“Nice to have” skills and experience: those that will enhance the minimally qualified candidate.

About the company:  A description of the company and why applicants should consider you.

In Return: As much info as possible about compensation.  Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing wrong with listing a salary, but that’s your decision.