What Employers Look For When Hiring Staff

Author: David Schuchman
              Information Technology Manager of Projects and Teams

 

Hiring the best people is more critical than ever. In a tight job market, employers are able to be very selective about who they hire. However, the cost of finding, interviewing, engaging and training new employees is high. With so many qualified candidates, what are employers looking for in the people they choose to interview? Here are six things that employers look for when they review job applicants.

 

Professional Competency

Does the candidate have the necessary skills, experiences and education to successfully complete the tasks to perform well? Employers are looking for evidence in a person’s past that shows that they can. This doesn't mean that each candidate needs to have done this particular job with this particular title before. Instead, it means the candidate needs to have a track record of success in the skills that the position requires.

 

Compatibility

Can this person get along with colleagues, and with existing and potential clients and business partners? An additional critical consideration is the person’s willingness and ability to get along well with his or her boss. If the new employee can’t get along well with others, there will be problems.

 

Satisfaction with the Organization

Most employers want to hire people who will stick around for a long time. They also want to hire people who will be happy with the job. Unhappy people tend to be less productive, a drain on other employees' morale, and may quickly leave the organization.

 

Fit with Company Culture

Does the candidate seem like they will easily embrace the culture, or does it seem like they will struggle to fit in? Every business has a culture or a way that people behave and interact with each other. Culture is based on certain values, expectations, policies and procedures that influence the behavior of a leader and employees. Workers who don’t reflect a company’s culture tend to be disruptive and difficult.

 

Character

Does the candidate have values that align with the organization? Are they honest; do they tell the truth and keep promises? Are they a team player? It's not enough to just show up at work every day and do the minimum required. Employers are looking for candidates who care about getting things done, and to do those things well.

 

Enthusiasm for the Job

Is this just one job of many the candidate is applying to? Or, does the candidate have a special interest in this one? Employers would rather hire someone who will be excited to come to work than someone who sees it as "just a job."

David Schuchman