Group interviews, psychometric tests, candidate screening - just how do you find great staff? Take the advice of women in business who have hired and fired for their businesses.

"With my first employees, I paid peanuts because that was all I had. If I had my time again, I'd borrow the money to recruit the best staff and give them the best package. Pay people well and don't be stingy over holidays and sick pay. Push the boat out. Why are people going to come and work for you, if not?"
Deirdre Bounds, i-to-i.com

"The right interviewing techniques are critical, asking the right questions. Knowing how to delve into the detail of their experiences and trying to understand the person behind the CV. Because the personal side is important, too. If necessary, bring in the expertise if you don't have it in-house, someone who has experience and can help with the recruitment process."
Perween Warsi, S & A Foods

"Stick to your ideal, don't compromise unless you really have to. We always work with one month's trial - on either side - which is our 'get out' clause."
Cath Collins, Cath Collins Ltd

"Our organisation is all about helping the unemployed. We want people who like people and who get a buzz out of helping people. We need good communicators. Sometimes, if we have a massive recruitment campaign, we initially get everyone to call in. If they sound good on the phone, we invite them to apply. So that's our first level of sifting out the right people."
Emma Harrison, A4e Ltd

"I like to get a sense of hunger from a candidate. In fact, I am always looking for enthusiasm. If they're keen to learn and ask lots of questions, that makes me far happier than someone who acts as if they know it all."
Lisa Buckingham, Editor, Financial Mail on Sunday

"Recruit the people you can mould or those who come with the right mindset and can fit in with your company's values. Recruiting and retaining the right people is critical."
Perween Warsi, S & A Foods

Discover what kind of interviewer you are, how to recruit, and how to spot the perfect candidate using the everywoman.co.uk best selling guide The Simple Approach: Interview others.

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