Qualities to look for in a candidate
Every employer has had experience with both good and bad employees. According to a 2014 study by CareerBuilder the top 10 traits employers seek out are:
- Hardworking
- Dependable
- Positive
- Self-motivated
- Team-oriented
- Organized
- Works well under pressure
- Effective communicators
- Flexible
- Confident
If your company is going through the hiring process or starting to develop a list of qualities that will make your “ideal candidate,” here are a few additional assets we think you should keep in mind when interviewing candidates.
Intelligence
By intelligence we mean the ability to plan, to organize, set priorities, and to get the job done. A strong employee possesses a level of common sense and the ability to deal with the day-to-day challenges of the job in an efficient manner.
Ambitious
Employees can only help your company if they are striving to better themselves as professionals and learn. Ambition leads to creative ideas and growth in any company.
Integrity
It’s probably the most important single quality for long-term success in life and at work. This person is willing to admit their strengths and weaknesses, and to acknowledge where they have made mistakes.
Personable
Look for someone who is warm, friendly, easygoing, cooperative with others, and can join the team to be part of the work family – you want to make sure that any new employee is going to fit in well with your company culture to ensure a positive atmosphere.
Detail Oriented
Attention to detail is crucial or mistakes will be made within your company. A detail-oriented employee takes pride in their work and will go above and beyond to make sure that their job is not only done well, but that they meet and/or exceed every standard you have set.
Above all, it is their character and passion that make the sum total of all the positive qualities you should look for in a potential candidate. Every role has certain technical skills and background experiences that are required, but these core qualities should not be ignored among the list of criteria you are setting for your next rock star employee.
Positive vibes, positive mind, live a positive life,
Laufer and Associates Team