I. Thou shalt commit yourself to hiring and retaining only the best.

If you are going to succeed, you cannot settle for run-of-the-mill employees. Mediocre employees breed mediocrity, so make sure you recruit and select only the best employees.

II. Thou shalt not be unduly influenced by dazzling answers and false appearances.

Applicants are generally better prepared for interviews than most employers. They receive coaching and rehearse pat answers to standard interview questions. They know how to dress to impress and will mightily try to do just that.

III. Thou shalt know what it is you are looking for.

A detailed job description is essential to the hiring process. You need to know exactly what it is you expect of every new hire. This includes the responsibilities of the position and the skills, aptitudes and, most importantly, the attitudes needed to be successful.

IV. Thou shalt take a marketing approach to recruiting.

Recruiting is an on-going process. You should recruit new employees in the same way you recruit new customers — consistently and proactively. Be conscious of the message delivered by everything an applicant sees, including ads, application forms and facilities.

V. Thou shalt solicit referrals, rehire and pay attention to retention.

Referrals from your current employees and inviting quality former employees to return are the best sources of team members. When you have great employees, make sure you do everything possible to retain them.

VI. Thou shalt not be limiting nor discriminatory.

Don't look only for the young or people who have always been in your business. In most cases, it pays far greater dividends to hire people for their ability to learn new things and their attitudes than for what they know or did in the past.

VII. Thou shalt never stop looking for the next great employee.

Do not limit your recruiting activities to only when there is a need. You should constantly be on the lookout for your next great team member.

VIII. Thou shalt make the new hire's first day the best day ever.

First impressions are lasting. The extra care and time you spend making the new hire welcome and comfortable will be richly rewarded by the hiring gods. When your new hire returns home at the end of the first workday, a friend or family member will most certainly ask: "How's the new job?" The answer needs to be, "Fantastic. What a great company. I can't wait to go back tomorrow."

IX. Thou shalt set high standards and hold yourself and your employees accountable.

You should be clear from the get go about values, mission, duties and responsibilities. Your employees will know and understand why their jobs are important and exactly what's expected of them so they can meet your standards and be stunningly successful.

X. Honor your employees and treat them well.

Though it sounds simple, too often employers forget that employees represent more than a "one-time sale." These "chosen ones" can raise the perceived value of your company or they can speak negatively and undermine your reputation. They are the reason customers come back as well as why new customers come to you. They can refer future team member candidates or they can scare prospects away. Thou shalt not burn any bridges.

If you will follow these commandments and remain focused, dedicated and committed to hiring the best, you will soon see that your organization becomes just that — the best.