All this month we've chatted about recruitment, and I'd like to end with the most important part of all. You. When you are needing the best person for the job, don’t overlook you're focus on the basics. Timeliness makes a difference. Appearance offers a good gauge as to how a candidate will fit into the company culture. Perhaps the best not so silent indicator, however, is conversation. Yes, simple, basic conversation.

You’re not hiring a guest speaker, so the ability to makean appearance doesn’t matter. Your new employee will, however, representyou to the public and need to interact with everyone else on the team. It’seasy to look at qualifications on a resume and overlook a shy person’sinability to look you in the eye and visit with you. Don’t fall into that trap!Skill sets alone are not the measure of the candidate.

What do you want to listen for?

• Good diction, pronouncing all the syllables of the words. Probly needs two “b’s, for example. Often has a "t" inside it.

• The ability to notice details in the room.

• Good declarative words replacing profanity.

• The ability to give genuine compliments

Listening for the ability to participate in a conversationincludes other variables as well. LifeOptimizer lists seven. Realize that conversation is ubiquitous throughoutevery aspect of your company and its ability to conduct business with thegeneral public. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot here.

Every so often, go a step further and sharpen conversational skills within your existing company. Become More Compelling offers great information on how to improve current abilities. Pay special attention to tip #5, using the Spokes Method for developing great conversational skills. Realize that the happiest people in life are the ones who connect with others. Maren Yumi went on to list ten reasons explaining why that's true. I can’t disagree with her.

When you are the business owner, model what you want in youremployees. Find a time to speak with each one on a regular, even if infrequentbasis. Demonstrate a sincere interest in each. Offer unique compliments. Learnmore about your employees. Practice those skills at Chamber meetings among yourpeers. It’s a small act of self-improvement, but it’s one you’ll find valuable.

There are a number of high-tech tools for finding ideal candidates, but sometimes the best tool is one you already have at your command. The most important tool is you connecting with prospective employees. Conversation is the basis of civilized society. The ability to communicate what you mean and understand what is said is the basis for peace and commerce. Make this a skill set you value.