According to a recent study by Resume-Library and TopInterview, 70% of hiring professionals in the U.S. think personality is the most important aspect of a candidate; even over their education (17.6%).
But who can blame them? Companies need to hire individuals who are going to gel with their teams and fit in with their culture; and if you make the wrong hiring decision then this can cost you. A lot.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the price of a bad hire is at least 30 percent of the employee's first-year earnings. That’s a lot of money to be losing out on, especially when you’ll likely have to rehire for the position.
For this reason, it’s important to ensure you understand the top qualities that great candidates possess. From being authentic and confident, to friendly and reliable, here’s our insights on the traits to look out for when making your next hire.
1. Authenticity
Being true to yourself is extremely important in life and the same goes for the workplace. When interviewing candidates, it’s important to understand who they really are; what makes them tick, what do they genuinely enjoy about work?
That said, nerves, shyness, or pressure to conform can make us afraid of showing our authentic self. And there are questions on whether you should be your authentic self at work.
But ultimately, if someone appears authentic and you feel they’ll be a great fit for your company then it’s likely they’ll settle into your company well and get on with their co-workers.
2. Confidence
The right amount of confidence is certainly a desirable quality in a candidate. After all, these individuals will be more willing to push forward with their ideas and not worry about making mistakes; a much admired trait in the workplace.
That said, it’s important to ensure you don’t hire professionals whose confidence verges on arrogance. There is a clear difference between the two; and arrogant people can be toxic in the workplace.
To get the best out of your candidates in an interview, give them the tools they need to succeed. Ensure they have all of the relevant information so they can prep beforehand; this should help to boost their confidence.
3. Honesty
You know what they say: honesty is the best policy. And this is a quality that all great hires share. Someone who lies on their resume, throughout the application process, or even during an interview, is note someone you should want to employ.
After all, shielding a problem only makes it worse; you want to hire individuals who can give you an honest account of what they’re working on, how they’re feeling and ultimately how the business is performing.
Alongside this, honesty helps to build trust. It is integral for building relationships in the workplace. Better still, it actually makes us respect people more.
4. Self-discipline
This is an admirable quality in a person and one that is crucial for success. After all, being able to discipline yourself (and sticking to) and can massively help to improve your work ethic. For this reason, it’s a key trait to look out for in candidates.
But how do you spot it? Well, look out for people who stick to their decisions and take responsibility for them. Alongside this, those who are able to successfully work towards and reach their goals.
Ultimately, you want to hire people will focus on the task at hand, and that’s why those with strong self-discipline make a great hire.
5. Friendly
How could we leave this one out? Friendly people are generally easier to get along with; they’ll build strong relationships with colleagues and customers, while also forming a bond with their manager.
Sure, we go to work to work; not necessarily make friends. But it’s much easier to build rapport with a candidate who has a friendly disposition. Plus, they’ll add a lot to your company culture.
Better still, these individuals can play a key role in welcoming other new starters to the business, thus helping with your onboarding process.
6. Reliability
Naturally, you’ll want to hire individuals you can rely on. Whether that’s to get into work on top, to deliver on a project, or even to pick up work while another team member is on holiday. The best hires will be the ones that you know you can always trust.
This is all about following through. Sometimes people we think are great hires tell us they’re going to do something, but never end up delivering on that promise. Well that needs to change.
Look out for signs throughout the hiring process: did they turn up to the interview on time, did they get back to you when they said they would? Any red flags could be cause for concern.
Are You Looking Out For These Top Qualities?
In today’s hiring market, it’s not just hard skills that are important anymore. In fact, more and more companies are focussing on how candidates will fit into their business and then looking to upskill them afterwards.
So, if you’re keen to make the best hires, be sure to look out for these qualities!