Hiring Smart: Building Teams That Care
We’ve all heard the saying: a company is only as good as its people. At Wayfinder, we know this to be true not because it’s catchy, but because we live it every day. The right people make our work stronger, our culture warmer, and our impact deeper.
Recruiting and hiring isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about finding humans who share our mission, fit our rhythm, and want to create better outcomes for the practices and patients we serve. Because let’s be real — one misaligned hire can ripple through a team like a pebble tossed into a still pond. Morale dips. Processes drag. Everyone feels it.
That’s why we treat recruiting as future-proofing. Thoughtful choices today save tomorrow’s headaches and build the foundation for long-term success.
Hiring Smart Starts with Process
Traditional hiring processes tend to focus heavily on skills and qualifications—sometimes at the expense of cultural alignment. To attract, to find, and to retain the right people requires intentionality from posting to onboarding.
Lead With Culture
Skills are important, but alignment with our mission, values, and communication style is what makes someone thrive. The initial job posting needs to make it crystal clear what type of person you are looking for — not just the education and skills required. At Wayfinder, for example, we look for a growth-driven mindset. If someone is hungry to learn and loves solving problems, we want them to know they’ll fit in on our team.
Intentional Interviews
Relying on a cookie-cutter interview checklist isn’t the best way to explore what a job candidate brings to the table. We use scenario questions that reveal how candidates act, not just what they say they value.
For example: "Imagine you’re on a call with a patient who is confused and upset about their bill. You don’t have the answer right away, and the provider’s office is busy. Walk me through how you would handle that situation from the moment you pick up the phone to the moment the patient feels cared for and the issue is resolved."Collaborative Tools for Team Transparency
Why it works:
It shows how the candidate balances empathy with practical problem-solving.
It reveals communication skills under pressure.
It tests whether they default to quick fixes or take ownership until the job is done (a Wayfinder core value).
We’ll also throw in a few metaphoric questions. “If you could compare your problem-solving style to an animal, which one would it be and why?” They’re fun, but they also show how a person thinks on their feet.
We consider these cultural questions in tandem with skills checks to see how a candidate works and ensure the person can actually deliver on the role.
Transparent Communication
Let’s be real: job hunting can feel like running a marathon with no mile markers. Candidates are putting themselves out there — polishing resumes, showing up to interviews, and waiting (sometimes endlessly) for answers. The least we can do is respect that effort.
At Wayfinder, we believe in keeping the lines of communication open and clear. That means timely updates, setting realistic expectations about next steps, and giving honest feedback whether the news is good or not-so-good. No ghosting, no smoke and mirrors, no stringing people along. Just truth.
Why does this matter? Because transparency is a two-way trust-builder. When we’re clear with candidates, we’re showing them what it feels like to work with us — honest, collaborative, and human. And for those who don’t ultimately join our team, we hope they walk away feeling valued, not dismissed.
Think Beyond Day One
Hiring isn’t finished when the offer letter is signed. In fact, that’s just the beginning. At Wayfinder, we know that a new hire’s first days and weeks are critical — not just for their success, but for the health of the whole team. That’s why HR and team leads work hand-in-hand to make sure every new teammate feels supported, welcomed, and empowered to thrive.
This isn’t just about paperwork or orientation checklists. It’s about creating a sense of belonging from the very start. We make introductions meaningful, clarify roles and responsibilities, and provide the tools and resources new hires need to feel confident in their work. We also set aside time for check-ins, coaching, and feedback — so questions don’t go unanswered and challenges don’t snowball.
A smooth transition isn’t just a courtesy; it sets the stage for meaningful growth. When a new team member feels prepared, supported, and connected, they can contribute fully, adapt faster, and bring fresh energy to the team.
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, hiring smart isn’t just about checking boxes or asking, “Can they do the job?” It’s about looking deeper. At Wayfinder, we reframe the question to:
Will they thrive here?
Will our team be stronger with them in it?
Do their values and behaviors reinforce the culture we want to grow?
How can we set them up for success on our team?
These questions guide every step of our process — from recruiting and interviewing to onboarding and ongoing support — ensuring that each new hire not only performs well but also enriches the team, strengthens our mission, and elevates the experience of the clients and patients we serve.
Recruiting isn’t just about building our team. It’s about leaving people better than we found them. And when you hire with that level of care, you don’t just build a workforce — you build a community.
