Business leaders put a lot of time and effort into planning, creating and executing plans. But, one of the most important responsibilities business leaders have is hiring employees.
One good hire can change the outlook of a business and take it to new heights. One bad hire can do the exact opposite, costing the company money and progress toward growth.
Business leaders need to identify solid employees in the recruiting and interviewing process to make the right hires. CEO of Everest Business Funding Scott Crockett explains seven traits that business leaders should look for in prospective employees.
1. Dependability
Employees are handed important tasks that need to be completed well for the business to succeed. If employees aren’t dependable, then you won’t be able to rely on them to get the job done.
You can assess a candidate’s dependability based on a few factors. What does their resume say about their stability in key positions? What do their former managers say about their reliability and attendance? Did they show up on time (or hopefully early) for their interview?
2. Communication Skills
It’s difficult for any employee to be successful in a team-based environment if they don’t have good communication skills. A lack of this can cause huge headaches for managers, who will have to take the time to clarify and explain tasks and possibly even fix problems as a result.
It’s important that you assess a candidate’s written communication skills in their cover letter and resume. Then, cross-reference that with how they speak to you during the interview.
3. Confidence
At some point, business leaders need their employees to make decisions on the fly. Employees who have confidence speak up more frequently, act independently and initiate conversations.
Managers should look for candidates they can trust and who are confident in their own abilities.
4. Appearance
All employees represent the company they work for whenever they deal with customers, clients, and vendors. The personal image they portray leaves a lasting impact in these outside people’s minds about the business itself.
It’s essential that business leaders look for employees that maintain a good physical and social appearance. In other words, not only should they dress the part, they should act it, too.
5. Willingness to Learn
Even the most experienced workers will be constantly learning. Those who are not only willing to do so but seek out new knowledge will be invaluable to the business.
Included in this trait is the ability to take constructive criticism. Employees who take criticism too personally will be hard to manage.
6. Passion
Employees who are passionate about the work they do are more likely to be effective at their jobs. Business leaders need to seek out candidates who want to contribute to an overall goal, not just punch the clock and collect a paycheck.
Engaged employees who feel as though they play a part in the process produce better output. That’s why business leaders need to create an inclusive environment to encourage this passion.
7. Ambition
Candidates who express a desire to grow are, again, more likely to contribute at a higher level. It’s OK if not every employee wants to own their own company or become a CEO one day.
At the same time, business leaders should seek prospective employees who are ambitious about their job prospects within the position for which they’re applying.
About Scott Crockett
Scott Crockett is the founder and CEO of Everest Business Funding. He is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Mr. Crockett’s track record includes raising more than $250 million in capital and creating thousands of jobs. Scott has founded, built, and managed several finance companies in the consumer and commercial finance sectors.
