5 Things You Should Look for in Any Job Candidate
When you have a position open in your company, you want to fill it as soon as possible with the best talent you can get. You need to look beyond the hard skills of each candidate. Hard skills refer to the technical know-how for a particular job. Soft skills are the interpersonal attributes you need to succeed in the workplace. They include communication skills, people skills, listening skills, time management, and empathy. The best candidate should possess both soft skills and hard skills. Sometimes it is hard for employers to evaluate soft skills. Most employees oversell themselves during interviews.
It’s easy to look good on paper, but a top job candidate should ensure they have an edge to stand out from the perk. Professional qualifications vary from job to job, but there are certain qualities that all employers need to look for when evaluating top-tier candidates.
So what are some of the key qualities you should look for when hiring for a high-priority position?
Professional Experience & Skills
Having the appropriate education and professional skills to match the job description is definitely a foundation for any interview. These refer to specific degrees or professional designation or certifications. As a recruiter, give a detailed job description in terms of the number of years of experience, proficiency with certain software programs, or specific industry knowledge. This will enable you to vet applicants in reference to the specific requirements, skills and experience you need. Ask the candidate questions that prompt them to give answers on how the skills and qualifications apply to their current and past responsibilities.
Passion
Your potential employee should demonstrate passion about the role and the industry they’re in. A passionate candidate will be enthusiastic in their responses. They will be authentic, open and honest. Passion will be a great compliment to their professional qualifications. This will enable the employee to take responsibility and personal initiative at the workplace; increasing their productivity eventually.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Adaptability and flexibility is a key attribute to look for in a candidate. Remember businesses are always changing from time to time. You need to find employees who can adapt quickly to business changes or changes in work. They should be flexible to adjust their working hours or take on new responsibilities whenever necessary. Great employees should be ready and willing to embrace potential changes and make the most out of them.
Communication Skills
The candidate needs to be able to clearly pass their message across, in verbal or written speech. They should also be able to comprehend other people’s meanings. This can be done through asking the right questions and seeking clarification whenever needed. Being a good/bad communicator can drastically impact job performance.
Cultural Fit
Each organization has its own work/office culture. You should get an employee who fits in your company culture. They should understand and embrace the workplace and mode of work including dress code. You can evaluate if a candidate is fit for your company culture by asking if they understand the company’s culture and core values and whether they will work well and fit with current employees.
What other vital qualities do you think employers should consider when interviewing candidates for prime positions in the company?