It is crucial for a manager to spot potential trouble lurking within an applicant--and also uncover skills and talents that will prove beneficial on-the-job. Here are five superb methods you can use immediately to help you hire high-achievers--and stay away from underachievers.

"Contract or Direct" tells the story of Keith and Mike, a couple of Technical Hiring Managers in need of some extra talent for a big contract they just won. Their case illustrates the value and convenience of contract staffing services and shares some of the situations in which contract hiring is the smartest option.

20 years ago workforce planning was one of the hottest topics in HR, and now it's making a comeback. Companies are tired of feeling the pain from economic surprises. In the late 90's, it was the severe talent shortage. Today its dealing with the downturn in economy, and the need to trim staff while still attracting new talent.. "Do you Need Workforce Planning?" is about the benefits and "how to's" of workforce planning.

A staffing system leads people through the hiring process, showing them how to recruit, screen, interview, and hire new employees. This article explains what a staffing system is and how to develop an effective one. It also outlines the benefits of having a good staffing system.

The "cost-per-hire" metric. Sure it's used by lots of people, but so is astrology. This article explains what's wrong with it and how it could be improved.