Coming up with a set of questions that will bring top talent into your company can be more challenging than it seems. Therefore, we prepared a list of some of the most important qualities every employer should look for in a candidate and a few examples of how you can check if your candidates have what it takes.
Communicaton skills
Good communication skills are essential for any business. It can boost productivity, strengthen interpersonal relationships and help you bond with customers. Good communicators are confident and self-reflective, and they can stay on topic and give concise answers that have a logical flow.
How to test: People with good communication skills are also good listeners, meaning that they’re actively focused on listening to others rather than waiting for their turn to speak. During an interview, look for signs that they’re actively listening. Also, track their non-verbal behavior and see if it’s appropriate to the situation. Because people who are good communicators often have the potential of being natural leaders and managers, consider suggesting them to follow a PMP Certification Training course and help them grow in your company.
Required skills and knowledge
A positive attitude and willingness to learn are sometimes more important than having an impressive CV. However, an employee should have basic skills and knowledge that can be expanded later. For instance, almost every company uses technology in their business ventures to some extent. It’s a good idea to test their overall technological skills to see their weakest spots and if they need any additional training.
How to test: When testing their technological skills, use an unobtrusive test that won’t negatively impact their self-esteem and will have a motivational purpose. For instance, a fun test like ExpressVPN’s quiz about their technological age can be a great way to learn something about them and break the ice.
Creativity
Creativity is most commonly seen as a gift only a chosen few are born with. However, treating it as a skill that can be improved through exploration, questioning, and analyzing information can have long-lasting benefits for both individuals and companies.
How to test: A good piece of advice is to use a bit of quirky questions to get your candidates relaxed and allow them to express themselves more freely. For instance, you can ask what was the last gift they gave someone. Questions like this can help you understand someone’s personal values, how well they empathize with people around them and if they like to think outside the box.
Self-awareness
Self-awareness is a characteristic of ambitious and forward-thinking individuals. Candidates with high self-awareness can easily recognize their strengths and weaknesses and successfully manage their emotions and behavior. They can more easily recognize when they need help, and they know how to turn feedback into a motivational factor that will help them develop their skills.
How to test: Asking your candidates about negative experiences they had in their previous positions can be tricky, but it can help you better understand their emotional intelligence and readiness to learn from previous experiences. For example, you can ask them to explain the situation when they tried to do something and failed or how they felt when they received negative feedback from their boss or a coworker.
Table of Contents
