QPS Check: Vet Your Hire, Boomer Style!

Hiring the right employee is a critical decision for any business's success. With the diverse workforce spanning various generations, companies must adapt their hiring processes to align with generational characteristics and expectations. This brings us to the Boomer Style of vetting employees—the QPS Check method.

What is a QPS Check?

QPS stands for Qualifications, Professionalism, and Stability. It is a comprehensive approach to evaluating potential hires by focusing on their skills, work ethic, and long-term commitment to their careers and employers. This method associates itself with the values of the Baby Boomer generation, who are often characterized by their strong work ethic, loyalty, and preference for stability.

Qualifications

Qualifications refer to the education, training, experience, and competencies a candidate has in relation to the job at hand. Assessing qualifications requires a detailed look at the applicant's resume, seeking evidence of a strong and relevant educational background, certifications, and hands-on experience in the field.

Educational Background: Confirm that the candidate has the appropriate educational credentials. This may include a certain degree level or specific coursework related to the job.
Relevant Experience: Look for a proven track record of experience that is directly pertinent to the position. This could involve similar roles or responsibilities held in the past.
Certifications and Licenses: Depending on the job, certain professional certifications or licenses might be necessary. Verify that these are current and valid.

Professionalism

Professionalism is about how a candidate conducts themselves in a work environment. This encompasses communication skills, punctuality, appearance, and overall behavior.

Communication Skills: Evaluate how well the candidate articulates their thoughts and whether they can effectively communicate both in writing and verbally.
Punctuality: Review the candidate's history with previous employers to gauge their reliability when it comes to time management.
Presentation: Observe the candidate during interviews for their professional attire and grooming, as it could be reflective of their attention to detail and respect for the workplace.

Stability

Stability means examining the candidate's work history for long-term commitments to previous employers, which could be indicative of loyalty and dedication.

Longevity in Positions: Analyze the duration of the candidate's past employment. Frequent job-hopping might be a red flag, whereas longer tenures suggest reliability.
Reasons for Leaving: When discussing employment history, understand the reasons behind transitions. Look for positive growth opportunities rather than abrupt departures.
References: Contacting previous employers can offer insights into the candidate's job performance and their ability to maintain consistent, productive relationships over time.

Implementing Boomer Style Hiring in a Modern Context

Though the QPS Check draws from the values of the Boomer generation, it remains highly relevant in today's job market. Here’s how to implement it effectively:

Update Your Job Descriptions: Ensure they reflect the qualifications, professionalism, and stability you're looking for.
Structure Your Interviews: Prepare questions that will give you insights into the candidate’s QPS factors.
Use Technology Wisely: While sticking to traditional values, don't shy away from employing modern technologies to streamline the vetting process, such as digital reference checks or utilizing professional social media platforms for background research.
Consider Cultural Fit: Beyond QPS, make sure candidates align with your company's culture and values—qualities that Boomers also highly regard.

Conclusion

The QPS Check offers a blueprint for vetting new hires that resonates with the sterling work qualities of the Boomer generation. In a business world where rapid change is constant, the foundational aspects of qualifications, professionalism, and stability remain timeless. By channeling the Boomer Style with a contemporary touch, organizations can foster a robust and reliable workforce equipped to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.