If you’re having a hard time finding the right candidates to join your team, you’re not alone. Around 72% of employers say that they are having a hard time finding skilled candidates to fill job openings.
Some of that struggle comes from not knowing how to look beyond the resume. After all, just because a candidate has the right formal education that looks good on paper, it doesn’t mean they’re the ideal candidate for your team.
Keep reading to learn some of the most important qualities to look for during the interviewing process so you have an easier time finding a valuable team member for your organization.
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They Know How to Be Proactive
Any good candidate will know how to respond to a problem while they’re at work, regardless of your industry. But a truly great candidate knows will know how to prevent problems before they even happen. Hiring proactive employees instead of only reactive ones can give your company a distinct advantage.
During the interview process, be sure to ask about specific examples of ways the candidate has worked proactively in the past. If you work with a recruitment agency to find candidates, be sure to mention that this is something specific that you’d like to see from potential hires.
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They Make an Effort to Get Along With Everyone
Notice that this doesn’t say that they do get along with everyone; it’s about making an effort. In any work environment, it’s only natural that not everyone will be friends. But, it’s important to look for candidates that know how to put aside personal differences and work together to get things done, even if they don’t personally like someone.
Adding a diplomatic person like this to your team will help prevent petty work drama and may increase productivity levels.
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They’re Always Looking for Ways to Improve
The simple truth is that hiring someone who is content to do things the way they’ve always been done is not going to help your company grow. Instead, look for candidates who are driven and constantly looking for ways to make improvements to systems, processes, and their own skillsets.
When you’re interviewing potential hires, ask them about times they’ve been innovative in past roles.
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They Know When to Take a Break
Of course, you want to hire someone who is motivated to work hard and get things done. However, it’s just as important to hire someone that knows the importance of taking a break.
Knowing when to take a step back and slow down can make employees more productive later because it gives their brains time to rest. Don’t be afraid to ask potential candidates about how much vacation time they take on average or how they incorporate breaks into their workday to get a better sense of whether they know how to pull back.
You’re on Your Way to Finding the Ideal Candidate for Your Company
After reading through this brief guide, you should have a better idea of what qualities an ideal candidate should have for your job openings. Now, it’s time to start scheduling some interviews to find the best fit for your needs.
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