A candidate’s potential is determined by their ability and desire to grow within your company. You’re seeking employees who can not only do the job today, but eventually take on greater responsibilities and add more value to your organization.
By looking for the right qualities and asking the right questions, you can ensure a good long-term return on your hiring investment. Seek out:
Strong Learning Capabilities
Ask: “What is your willingness to learn?” and “What do you enjoy learning about?”
Even if a candidate meets all the necessary job qualifications on paper, they’ll have to consistently acquire new skills to keep up with your company’s evolving needs. A drive to learn is indicative of ambition and long-term career goals.
Regardless of whether a candidate offers an answer to the second question relative to their work or personal life, it’s important they demonstrate a willingness and eagerness to learn, from expanding their knowledge base about certain trends or topics to mastering new skills.
Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
Ask: “What are your main strengths and weaknesses?”
The candidate’s answer can strongly indicate their level of self-awareness which, according to an article published recently in the Harvard Business Review, reflects how well a person knows how to use their strengths for the benefit of an organization. Does this individual understand their limitations and know when to seek help? Do they possess a high level of emotional intelligence that allows them to work well with others while solving problems and challenges? Are they willing to improve on their areas of weakness so they can contribute as much as possible to your company?
Flexibility
Ask: “Can you describe a time when you had to adapt in the workplace?”
In today’s business climate, things change fast and constantly. You need employees who can easily roll with the punches. Ask for specific examples of a person’s ability to adapt, whether it was taking on an assignment that stretched them beyond their normal comfort zone or learning on the fly to complete a mission-critical project.
Future Vision
Ask: “What does your dream job look like?”
Determining a person’s growth potential isn’t just about where you see them going in the future, it’s also about where they see themselves going. When both these vision align, you’re made a good match.
Proactivity
Ask: “Can you tell us about a project you completed with a high degree of autonomy?”
You need to hire people who can hit the ground running when tasked with a certain assignment. So it’s critical to ask questions about being proactive and working independently, so you can gauge their comfort level with doing so. Plus, you want employees who instead of always putting out fires are always on the lookout for ways to streamline workflow and improve outcomes.
The hiring experts at PrideStaff Modesto have the knowledge, processes and years of experience to help you hire employees who can do the job today – and go on to lead your company and deliver added value in the future. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
