Hiring the perfect chief human resource officer can seem like a challenging task. A CHRO is an important asset to have for a growing business as this individual is responsible for developing human resource strategies, managing talent, training employees, and managing employee compensation. The CHRO you hire will provide leadership and guidance to the executive team and the employees of your business. Before you begin the task of hiring the perfect CHRO for your business, simplify your search with these tips on how to hire a CHRO.
How to Hire a Chief Human Resource Officer
1. Establish your needs on how to hire a CHRO
The first step to hiring a CHRO for your business is determining what you are looking for in a candidate. What are the skills, talents, and attributes of the perfect CHRO for your business? Your CHRO may need certain qualifications that differ from other CHROs, so take a hard look at your specific business and define your standards.
Human resources is dynamic and complex. There are a lot of skills necessary for a CHRO to possess to be successful at leading the procedural structure of your company. As the leader of your company, you will need to know what to look for in a CHRO. Some skills include strong relationship building skills, good judgment, and decision-making skills.
A successful CHRO is a talented leader who oversees the human resources of your business while implementing HR strategies that will carry your business as it grows. A CHRO fosters communication and issues that may arise amongst employees and executives, so candidates should be comfortable with conflict resolution. Furthermore, you should hire someone whose values are in line with your company’s mission and values. This like-mindedness fosters the culture of your business and lends towards a smooth transition into the workplace.
2. Use an executive search firm
The purpose of HR is to improve the quality of the decisions being made in your business while cultivating an environment that successfully carries out the mission and vision of your business. The CHRO will lead the HR efforts of your business. If the task of filling this role in your business seems frightening, hire an executive search firm. Executive search firms are a great tool to use when you do not feel equipped to attract the right candidates for the job. Recruiters at an executive search firm will seek out experienced candidates that possess the skills your business is looking for. Executive search firms connect you with a wide array of candidates that are sure to fit the needs of your business.
3. Network
Ask around. Yes! It can be as simple as reaching out to those within your field who are already experienced in filling the CHRO position. Talk to your professional connections and ask for advice. You may learn about a new candidate that you would not have otherwise known about if you had not spoken to those in your professional network. Trust the power of a personal recommendation!
4. Plan ahead
If this is your first time filling a major position such as the CHRO position, the transition could be shaky. Prepare a plan of action for introducing your new CHRO to your employees and customers. Preparing for this change will not only create a smooth transition for your employees, but it will also allow for the CHRO to settle into their new environment. Does your CHRO need to be trained beforehand? Will the CHRO begin working immediately? Discuss the transition with your fellow employees to determine what will be most comfortable for your business.
Another factor to plan is salary. At the end of the day, the decision on what to pay a CHRO depends on your needs and wants from a CHRO, the experience you want them to have, how well they have done in the past and how much you can spend on the position.
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