Before you start hiring, have a plan -- Paint a picture of the perfect hire -- Write a motivating ad -- Read, but don't rely on resumes -- Always create a pool of candidates -- Use recruiters to raise the quality of the hiring process -- Differentiate talent and ability from skill and experience -- Interview on behavior and experiences, not on hypotheses -- Conduct a structured interview -- Follow legal and ethical guidelines in hiring -- Sell the company to the candidate -- Red flags in the process cannot be ignored -- Increase your knowledge of the candidate through tests, trials, and projects -- Always check references -- Share decisions on hiring -- Act with a sense of urgency -- Negotiate terms and make an offer