1 Clearly define the role
This can be very flexible, but needs to have buy-in across key internal
stakeholders
2 Specify the candidate attributes you are looking for
Not every role needs a young high flier – take advice from experts if in
doubt, to avoid wasting time
3 Define the reporting structure
Even if they are going to be in a resource pool for senior executives, they
need to have a clear line manager responsible for their day-to-day activity
4 Position the role within the company
Particularly important if the role is a new one, or the individual has a
different career background from the norm – think about whether anyone might be
threatened, and proactively manage the situation
5 Be flexible when interviewing
Young high fliers have a very cross-functional skillset – if they are not
quite right for the position you are looking to fill, bear them in mind for
other roles across the organisation
6 Identify the performance indicators
The ability to make an impact on an organisation is key to these young
high-fliers – how will you and they know when they have been successful?
7 Don’t oversell the role
Tempting though it might be in order to lure the star candidate, overselling
a role will only lead to disillusionment on both sides – and the candidate
leaving to move to another more attractive position
8 Provide a career path
Gone are the days when young high fliers were looking to jump ship every two
years – they want variety and challenge, but are looking to get that from
moving to new roles within the same company every two to three years
9 Remember the interview process is two-way
Introduce the candidate to a range of different individuals that they will
be working with – ensure they have as much information as they need to make a
decision when they are offered the role
10 Keep candidates informed at all stages
Even in today’s market, more than 60 per cent of young high fliers are
getting multiple job offers – keep them motivated and excited about their role
by staying in close contact with them. Move the process along as rapidly as
possible
Charlotte Bradshaw is managing director of Bright Young Things. Tel 020
7368 5131 or visit www.byt.com
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