Hiring managers in the interview phase should be looking and seeking out those who are not only talented but proven winners; individuals with a proven track record of success and measureable accomplishments. I have seen it time and time again when an applicant in the interview process fills the room with a smoke screen of well put together, yet evasive answers.
It is of great importance that hiring managers ask thorough, direct questions to learn why they should hire a prospective individual, what makes that individual stand out amongst their peers , and what value can the individual bring to the organization.
I turn our case study to America’s Team – The Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys currently sit with a losing record at 1-8 with aspirations for the playoffs and Super Bowl long gone. It’s unfortunate; and regardless of the poor output of Cowboy players, the blame solely rests on the shoulders of head coach, Wade Phillips.
Owner Jerry Johnson hired Wade Phillips in the 2007 season with hopes that he would take a strong and emerging team to the next level and lead them back to Super Bowl glory. The smoke screen in this case would be the career winning percentage as a head coach of Wade Phillips - which currently stands at 600. However, taking a closer look into his “measureable accomplishments” would result in a much different picture and that to which most savvy hiring managers would agree that Phillips was not the right choice for the job in 2007.
Looking over the stats of Phillips’ career as a head coach (prior to accepting Cowboys head coach position) - one would find a below average or simply mediocre coach at best:
• New Orleans Saints W-1 L-3
• Denver Broncos W-16 L-16 *Lost in AFC Wild Card Game, 1993
• Buffalo Bills W-29 L-19 *Lost in AFC Wild Card Game, 1998 & 1999
• Atlanta Falcons W-2 L-1
Since becoming head coach of the Cowboys, although Phillips has a winning record, he has 2 playoff losses and only one playoff win. A record of low accomplishments that is unsatisfactory to ownership and Cowboy fans alike. Not to say that all applicants with successful or measureable accomplishments will be true winners and will bring success to their respective organizations; but the chances of success and contribution will be much greater.
As a hiring manager, it is critical in the interview process to ask the tough questions and really drill down on the applicant’s accomplishments and professional attributes that will bring success and value to your organization.
So who will hire Phillips next?
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