HIRE TO RETIRE:

When people hear the phrase “hire to retire,” they often think it simply means finding employees who will stay with a company for a long time. While longevity is certainly part of the equation, to me, hire to retire means something much deeper. It means creating an environment where people can build meaningful careers, grow professionally, and see a future for them within an organization.

My name is Cindy Brown, and I am the Hiring Office Manager at Clarence Street Dental Group. I have been involved in hiring for roughly six years, and in recent years, I have taken full ownership of our hiring process. What I love most about hiring is the opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level and discover who they are beyond their resume.

THE POWER OF THE PHONE INTERVIEW

One of the most valuable tools I use is the phone interview. Many people underestimate how much can be learned from a conversation. Through years of experience, I have developed a strong ability to understand communication styles, motivations, and personality traits simply by speaking with candidates. The phone interview allows me to identify not only whether someone has the skills for the role, but whether they align with the culture and values that make our organization successful.

Unfortunately, many organizations have shifted their focus away from creating value within the roles they are hiring for. As a result, employee retention suffers, turnover increases, and organizations struggle to build strong, committed teams. In my experience, when employees feel valued, supported, and given opportunities to grow, they naturally become invested in the organization’s future.

That is why when I hire, I am not just filling a position. I am looking for someone who can envision a future with us. I am looking for individuals who are seeking a career, not just a job. People who are excited about growth, development, and contributing to something bigger than themselves.

THE DISC ASSESSMENT

A key component of our hiring process at Clarence Street Dental Group is the DISC Assessment. After completing a successful phone interview, I invite selected candidates to complete a DISC assessment before we meet in person. This assessment provides valuable insights into how individuals communicate, process information, approach challenges, and interact with others.

During the in-person interview, I take the time to review the candidate’s results with them. These conversations are often some of the most engaging parts of the interview process. Candidates frequently find themselves nodding in agreement as we discuss their communication style, strengths, and natural tendencies. Many tell me they feel understood in a way they have never experienced during an interview before. The DISC assessment is not about placing people into boxes. It is about understanding how people operate at their best. For example, if I am assigning a project that requires exceptional attention to detail, I may choose a team member whose DISC profile naturally thrives in structure and accuracy. If I am leading a project that requires creativity, relationship-building, or team engagement, I may assign it to someone whose strengths align with those responsibilities. Understanding communication styles allows us to create stronger teams, improve collaboration, and support employees in ways that help them succeed. It also helps managers communicate more effectively with their teams, which ultimately leads to higher engagement and stronger workplace relationships.

BUILDING CAREERS, NOT FILLING POSITIONS

What makes me most passionate about my role is the people side of the business. I am incredibly grateful to play a part in helping shape the future of our organization by selecting candidates who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute. At Clarence Street Dental Group, we believe in investing in our people. We provide internal growth opportunities, professional development, and pathways for advancement because we understand that career progression is one of the most valuable benefits an organization can offer. When candidates can clearly see a future for themselves, they become more engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization’s success.

One phrase I often share during interviews is that I am looking for candidates who align with our core values and possess a forward-thinking mindset. We are an office built on progression, opportunity, and continuous improvement. We want individuals who are willing to embrace change, seek solutions, and contribute to a culture of growth. Hiring is not simply about finding the right person for today’s vacancy. It is about identifying individuals who can grow alongside the organization and become part of its long-term vision.

To me, that is what hire to retire truly means. It means creating an environment where people feel valued, understood, challenged, and supported. It means building careers instead of filling positions. And most importantly, it means helping people find a workplace where they can thrive for years to come. When organizations focus on people first, longevity becomes a natural outcome. Employees stay where they feel seen, where they have opportunities to grow, and where they know they matter. That is the kind of workplace we strive to build every day at Clarence Street Dental Group.