No one wants to bring a poor candidate onto their team. We always look for the best, brightest, and hottest in our fields.
So much so that we can get caught up in their skills. We pore over their resumes, ticking off the technical traits they have listed.
We have to go further once we’re assured their technical traits are up to snuff. We have to ensure they have the right qualities to be a part of the team. They need to fit.
What are those qualities? What should you look for in a new employee? I believe these 10 qualities will make for a better employee.
Photo by Jerry Zhang on Unsplash
10 Qualities To Look For In New Employees
1. Treats others with respect:
If you bring on a new hire and they fail to respect others on the team, there will be heavy conflict. Your team will be repelled by the new employee’s abrasive and probably offensive nature. Make sure your new employees treat others with respect.
2. Seeks out solutions:
We want solution-seekers on our teams. These are people who see a problem. More than that, they see possible solutions. Find people who are actively looking for new solutions.
3. Takes on responsibility:
But it’s not my fault… Far too many people are willing to pass the buck, claim indifference, or point the finger. Great employees are employees who are willing to take responsibility for their actions. Be on the lookout for this kind of employee!
4. Willing to be outspoken:
Wait, what?! Why would I want an outspoken person on my team? Because they’re not afraid to speak their mind. In the original Netflix culture, this was one of the qualities leaders within the organization looked for. They wanted outspoken people who were unafraid to speak up when they saw something that could hurt the company. Snatch up the vocal people.
5. Listens to others:
Not only do you need people who are outspoken, but you also need to look for employees who listen. These employees are willing to be quiet, sit down, and listen to what others have to say. They’re not looking for gossip or slander. These employees want to hear what’s needed so they can find a solution.
6. Tries new things:
The things that got your organization to where it’s at are not the same things that will take it to the next level. For that, you have to be willing to try new things. What better way than to have employees who are willing to do new things?
7. Positive attitude:
Even with the best of skills, a negative attitude will destroy your hard work. It will also destroy the effectiveness of an employee. Look for employees who are positive. They have a can-do attitude that doesn’t allow them to do everything, but it does allow them to do the things they do better.
8. Strong character:
A strong character is a crucial quality for an employee. When they have a strong character, they will do the right thing not because it is easy but because it is the right thing to do. Strong character will get the right things done.
9. Humble:
There’s a time to brag and show off your skills. There’s also a time to be humble. A humble employee knows this and they’re willing to be humble more often than not. Look for employees who are willing to think less often of themselves.
10. Demonstrates vulnerability:
Employees who display vulnerability aren’t weak. They’re strong. They know they have to admit when they’ve screwed up. They know they can say I’m sorry. Past that, vulnerable employees are willing to share their struggles. This vulnerability helps them to connect with others on the team. Look for employees who are willing to be vulnerable.
