GCSAA - GCM December 2001 -- Hiring the best for your course: It's a state of mind


				confront it and put forth a strong effort to solve the problem. Subscribing to this notion has tremendous implications when considering candidates for a golf course position. The big question is, how does the superintendent/employer gain a reading on this highly personal, in-ternal information? Phone calls, letters of reference and résumés will not disclose information of this depth. I believe the personal interview is the employer's most important tool for gaining insight into attitude. The personal interview will provide the essential clues to guide the hiring decision. The following are my tips for conducting a personal interview aimed at identifying employees who will bring positive beliefs and attitudes to work at your golf course: * Create a comfortable climate. The candidate must feel at ease and unthreatened. Offer a glass of water and some light conversation. A tour of the shop area and the golf course will add to the candidate's comfort level. Don't forget the nonverbal as well as the verbal cues: good eye contact and posture. * Pick up significant clues about the applicant by asking questions about relevant experiences -- particularly those involving problem solving -- and listen carefully. Clarify and seek additional information by asking open-ended questions, such as, "Tell me more about ..." or "Explain what you meant when you said ..." Having the candidates project themselves into
					a certain situation might provide important insights into how they view their capabilities, in-adequacies and long-term goals. * Access the candidate's beliefs and attitudes by asking questions such as, "What do you like to do?" or "What really excites you about work?" Answers to these questions help the interviewer determine what the candidate is passionate about. Clearly, those people who are passionate about activities related to what the employer needs are going to be more successful. * At the end of the interview, carefully summarize the significant content. If this is performed skillfully and accurately, the candidate will feel understood. This summary technique also allows the candidate to clarify or elaborate on certain issues. Conveying an attitude of caring and understanding may enhance the chances of gaining significant information not readily disclosed in résumés and questionnaires. Top-rated golf courses are maintained and enhanced by golf course personnel who have been carefully selected and assigned to positions based on their beliefs and attitudes. These people believe they are capable of meeting the challenge and will extend beyond their job description. Staff members who believe they are capable make a difference at work and in the evaluation of the golf course. Tom Altmann is superintendent at Greywolf Golf Course in Panorama, British Columbia, Canada, and a nine-year member of GCSAA.