Finding the best person for the job is hard work. In fact, many employers seek Lehigh Valley hiring support, because they know they don’t have the time or expertise to steer a successful job search on their own.
When filling an open position, many employers mistakenly believe hard skills — i.e., those teachable and measurable relevant to the position — are the greatest indicator of a good hire, but that’s not exactly true. Of course, hard skills are important, but soft skills are arguably even more crucial.
Put it this way — hard skills can be taught, but soft skills are generally innate. Therefore, it’s important to choose a candidate who embodies the following traits.
5 Characteristics to Seek in a New Hire
Team Player
Successes at your company are a group effort, so you need an employee who works well with others. Anyone who has trouble getting along with their peers or can’t share the credit for a job well done just won’t work.
During the job interview, gauge a candidate’s ability to function as a team player by asking questions like “What makes you a good team player?” or “Are you more productive on your own or as part of a team?”
Ambition
You want to hire an employee who will truly make your team better. Candidates looking to do the bare minimum to collect a paycheck won’t be an asset to the company or their colleagues.
Get a feel for the candidate’s level of ambition by asking interview questions like “Tell me about a time you went the extra mile on a project” or “What professional goals have you achieved in the past year?”
Honesty
There’s no room on your team for someone who lacks morals. Your staff will be turned upside down if everyone is constantly on edge because an employee lies, steals or otherwise can’t be trusted.
Learn more about the candidate’s moral compass by asking questions like “Tell me about a time when you were put in a position that tested your integrity” or “How do you deal with failure?”
Loyalty
Hiring new employees is time-consuming and expensive, so it’s best to try to find candidates who want to be with your company for the foreseeable future. While there’s never a guarantee a new hire will become a long-term staffer, there are warning signs that offer a glimpse at their motive for wanting the job.
Uncover these signs by asking questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or “Why do you want to work for our company?”
Adaptability
No two days are the same in the business world. Therefore, you need flexible employees who are willing to go with the flow and embrace change as it happens.
Get a sense of the candidate’s ability to adapt by asking questions like “How do you adjust to changes you can’t control?” and “Describe a time you had to change course on a project you’d been working on for a while.
Ready to fill an open position on your team?
HTSS, Inc. is here to help you find the perfect fit! Get in touch today to build the strongest Lehigh Valley team you’ve ever had.