MAIL BAG: IS THIS THE RIGHT PERSON FOR YOUR JOB?

Reader S. Vergara writes this week: “My company has been looking for a top federal sales exec to grow our business.  We finally found someone, but it seems like he’s had more career stops than the Silver Line has stations.  Is this a red flag?”  It’s definitely cause to do some digging, S.  While multiple career stops, especially into today’s volatile federal market, aren’t necessarily a bad sign, your company should do some checking to make sure your candidate isn’t one step ahead of the long arm of contracting law.  Capture professionals and senior sales directors often change jobs for totally legitimate reasons and you’d be right to wa+nt to take advantage of the good qualities of an experienced pro.  On the other hand, maybe that “innovative” sales rebate program your candidate implemented at this last job also violated federal rules.  In a market where trust and image matter immeasurably, you have to be sure that you’re not hiring someone else’s problem.  People who’ve been proposed for the Excluded Parties List may not be a good choice, but making sure your prospective hire hasn’t torched bridges with competitors or clients is also important.  Get your HR department working, S, before you add this person to your modern family.