As I wrote last time, for entrepreneurs, the next hire might represent and inordinately large percentage of his staff (perhaps up to 50%). The small business owner cannot afford to make too many hiring mistakes. The first place to start is with your next hire. Last question was “How much will I have to manage him?” Here is the second of five questions I ask, as a technical entrepreneur, when I am considering whether or not to hire someone.

[2] Is she in love with learning?

I am looking for a “hungry” worker. One with an insatiable appetite for learning new and better ways to do things. She needs to demonstrate a desire to constantly keep up with the trends in her discipline. If I get the idea that she is not supremely interested in her field or discipline, I know that she will never be a great employee. She might make a fine, solid, employee at company X, but not at my company. I want someone who strives to be the best they can be and takes real pride in their work. I want avid learners. I love to learn, and I want an employee who is constantly teaching me new and interesting things as well. An employee who is not constantly trying to learn will never make you much money, and might even cost you money. A favorite interview question I have is: “What are you reading these days in your field?” or “What websites, newsgroups, blogs, etc., are bookmarked in your favorites?”

Next Question

Questions 1 , 2 , 3, 4 , 5