In my December 2015 article I discussed reasons we hire for logic (not merely a grasp of EDI or translator specific syntax) and why we conduct our screening processes in such a way to achieve an understanding of skill sets. Today I’d like to add an additional thought about hiring using a concept called Personas.
Having managed a number of teams over the years, one of my greatest rewards is to witness a diverse group of individuals accomplish a common goal. Diversity in the workplace means a lot of different things to a lot of different people depending on the seat they sit in for your company. What I am addressing here is a different kind of diversity. Let me explain.
Jack Welch - former CEO of General Electric - wrote a book entitled “Winning” that became required reading for some of the managers at a Fortune 500 company where I spent a decade of my recruiting and management career. “Winning” provides some excellent advice on topics such as hiring, firing, leadership, expansion, crisis management, and more.
The book is a quick read, and while you won’t agree with everything Jack offers, perhaps you’ll be able to use one modified suggestion I have found effective when hiring.
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Logic versus Syntax – Different Approaches for Different Phases.
Here are two quick thoughts to consider the next time you need to hire an EDI professional.
Screen for Syntax
In the early stages of the hiring process someone within your organization will likely conduct initial screening calls of applicants for a position you need to fill. Sometimes this can be done by HR and sometimes, based on the complexity of the role, it will need to be conducted by someone with a technical EDI or Data Integration background. During these initial calls, screening for a meaningful command of relevant syntax is important.
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Through my 5 years at Remedi, I have been constantly searching for the best EDI talent in North America. There always seem to be plenty of EDI Administrators available but I can’t say the same for EDI Mappers, Developers, and Architects. These individuals tend to have full schedules throughout the year. Many EDI Managers wonder when is the best time of the year to find the best talent in EDI. Most new EDI projects usually kick off in January for the 1st quarter of the following year where the budget is available. In my experience, if you wait until January to start hiring you have missed an incredible window. Most EDI projects wrap up with companies in November before the Thanksgiving holiday where people usually take vacations, which means most EDI talent is looking for a new project in December.
