Using 5W&H is the key to everything

The 5W&H stands for; who, what, when, where, how and why. If we are doing things right these 6 words are always used, will always provide the information and answers we need and are the key to success.

For example doing research prior to sourcing. When doing this research you should, as a minimum be asking the following questions;

Who would have these kinds of skills, who might know people with these skills etc

What are these skills used for, cloud, security. What other names or acronyms might these skills go by?  etc

When are they used, frontend, backend etc

Where are they used, what companies, what locations etc

How are they used, what operating systems (OS)  etc

Why do these skills go together, why do they work with this OS, why are they used etc

Now these same 6 words can be used in any situation and will help be a guide for things to do and ask to help us do our jobs. Another example the intake meeting, were we meet the hiring manager (HM) to discuss the new opening. Things we should ask as a minimum are

Who is currently doing this job, who should be on the phone screen  etc

What will this person be working on, are the have to have skills, nice to have etc

When do we need it filled by, when can you do phone screens etc

Where does it need to be located, where do you recommend we look,  etc

How often do you want to have update meetings etc

Why are we looking

So as you can see if you keep in mind the 5W&H rule you will always have a plan, always have a basis for your questions, for answers you need for just about anything.