5 Key Traits to Look for When Hiring Employees

If you think of a company as an engine, employees are the fuel that keeps it running. That’s why hiring should be one of the essential operations within a business. Whether the company is expanding to add new positions or looking to fill a single vacancy, you always want to find the best person. As resumes come pouring in, how will you know which candidates are the right ones?

Here are five traits you should look for:

1. Dependability

Hiring managers and recruiters know that dependability and commitment is the hallmark sign of a good employee. They should carry out tasks efficiently with minimal supervision, and finish it on time. An applicant can list all the skills in the world on their resume, but it won’t mean much if they can’t put it into practice.

However, this will be one of the most challenging aspects to spot when hiring employees. For many HR managers, one of the first things they assess is how quickly candidates complete the requests made during the application process. Ideally, they should follow through with the additional requirements on time or respond to the agency’s email in a timely and appreciative way. This shows how committed and interested they are in working for the company.

To spot dependability during an interview, you can start by asking the candidates about their work ethics. If they put a high value on proactivity, reliability, responsibility, and accountability, these are good indicators. Ask them about specific instances where they had to go above and beyond their duties to complete a task in a previous or current role. Of course, the best way to know someone’s dependability is to work with them, so ask candidates for references and reach out to them.

2. Adaptability

Established companies are no stranger to constant changes in the industry. If they want to survive, they should also learn to adapt. Having employees who are flexible and adaptable is advantageous to the business. Employees who are more than willing to learn and embrace change help, ensuring that the company isn’t left behind when changes happen. Hiring managers want to look into candidates who are solution-oriented and can pivot when plans change.

When looking for new hires, ask candidates about any unforeseen situations they’ve experienced that required them to adjust or fill a role. Perhaps they stepped up to take on the responsibilities of a co-worker who went on maternity leave or someone who recently quit. Additionally, ask them about the new things they had to learn in their previous jobs and how they utilized it to improve their performance. This will help you gauge their level of flexibility and adaptability under any circumstances.

3. Effective communicator

Communication is key to success. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to communicate effectively through any medium – be it emails, calls, or face-to-face. They should clearly and concisely convey messages to avoid misunderstandings and confusion and streamline productivity.

Being a good communicator should also translate to being an active listener. Are they able to follow instructions as well as give them? Employees with good listening skills are more likely to build relationships with customers and win them over.

When evaluating candidates during their interview, ask them how they’ve resolved different issues in the workplace. If you’re looking to fill a management role, ask them about their management style and how they ran their previous teams. Did they implement any systems to streamline communication, like leading a weekly team meeting?

4. An excellent team player

Businesses are a collaborative effort, and each employee serves as an integral piece of the larger puzzle. Strive to hire someone who can work well with others. Being able to get along with co-workers is essential to achieving a harmonious and stress-free work environment.

Ask candidates about their ability to be part of a team. Do they prefer working alone or with others? Have them detail specific team projects they’ve worked on and how their role contributed to the success. If they feel they’re a good team player, ask them why?

5. Honesty

Honest employees boost the company’s morale and create a brand that your customers will see as trustworthy. These people will hold themselves responsible for their tasks and take accountability when they make mistakes.

Honesty and integrity are invaluable traits, but they can be the most difficult things to look for in an interview. If your company’s policy allows it, offer probation or a trial period so you can see the candidate in action. You may be able to sense a person’s honesty in the initial recruitment process or by consulting references, but a trial period allows you to study their true nature in the workplace.

Final thoughts

There’s no such thing as the perfect employee, but these five qualities are the foundation of a good checklist that can help guide HR managers and recruiters in their evaluation process. Don’t hesitate to ask candidates specific questions about their experiences to gain more insight into what they’re like as employees.

Remember, the person you decide to hire will significantly affect the bottom line of the company. While hiring can be tricky, taking the extra mile and carefully assessing the applicants and their traits will eventually help you choose the candidate that best fits the company.