Hiring for experience is just one aspect of making the right decision about a new employee. The interview may not provide the entire picture. For the last several years, employers have been firm when hiring people with the exact skills they deem necessary for the job. However, being specific doesn’t guarantee an employee will excel at their job. Employers who hire for potential often have higher retention rates. So, how do you hire for potential? Here are a few things to look at.
Measure their aptitude
Not all candidates are equal. When reviewing their potential, look at which characteristics they possess that match your company culture. Even if a candidate has fewer years of experience than others you’ve talked to, they may have the right soft skills that match other employees in your company. You can match competency, skills, ability, knowledge and personality to get a complete picture.
Discuss their long-term goals
Patterns of behavior in their previous jobs should influence your decision more than their exact skills. Were they often trusted with additional responsibilities? Did they volunteer for projects beyond their scope? Did their employers recognize them for their contribution? Discuss where they see their career headed in the next few years. You will learn about their motivations and if it is a good fit for your business.
Hire based on your existing team
The success of your business will never fall on the shoulders of just one person. You want to design your dream team to drive innovation. It helps to find candidates who are hungry in their careers and have a desire to succeed. Look for candidates who demonstrate potential for future growth and a desire to be part of a winning team.
How to evaluate performance
Of course, a candidate without the exact experience will need additional training to be brought up to speed on the job they are hired to do. Rather than dumping them in a training program, establish a mentor relationship with someone who is already successful in this or a similar role in the company. An employee with potential should pick up new information quickly and be able to apply critical thinking skills to problems they’ve never previously encountered.
Do you want to hire an employee with strong potential? CornerStone Staffing Agencies in Dallas TX can help you so call today!
