Interviewing can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. It is easy to be indecisive wondering if a particular candidate is a right fit for your company. However, there are a few simple things that can help determine whether a candidate is a qualified fit or not. Here are four things that a hiring manager should look for in a candidate.
Look At The Candidate’s Qualifications.
Perhaps the number one consideration when a hiring manager looks at a potential candidate is whether or not they are even qualified for the job. Knowing someone is qualified can help in making the decision to hire them. So be sure to research the candidate by using resources such as LinkedIn. More importantly, know what qualifications applicants need to fill your open position. A clear understanding of the skills and abilities required will help you as the hiring manager to determine whether the candidate is qualified.
If you are hiring for an IT position, especially leads or architects, be sure to interview all the stakeholders so that you fully understand what will be required from the applicants. It may be necessary to involve the entire team when it comes time to conduct interviews.
What do others say about them?
As a hiring manager, don’t just look at their technical skills, but also take into account their character.
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Work ethic
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
These all play a crucial role in whether or not someone may be a good fit for your company. Employers want their employees to be people of honest and ethical character. However, they also need to be a team player with the ability to work with others as needed.
Be honest with the candidate and consider voicing any concerns you may have. For instance, past work experience, reasons for leaving, skills and abilities, etc. Try to find out as much as you can about their character. Just because someone possesses the needed technical skills, doesn’t mean you want them to work for you. They need to fit in as a person if they’re to give their best as an employee.
Proactivity And Productivity
Most managers don’t like to micromanage. So try to identify if the candidate has the ability to be proactive and get things done without having to hold their hand every step of the way. There are things you can look for during the interview that will expose a go-getter.
- Researched the company ahead of time.
- Asked good thorough questions about company procedures.
- Discussed ideas they had that were implemented in a past position that had a positive effect on the company.
- Asked the hiring manager what he expects from employees and how they can be a valuable asset to the company.
Showing their concern over these areas lets you as the hiring manager know that they aren’t looking to fill a position, but rather looking to make a contribution. Those who show they can think ahead and work as part of a team are highly valued.
Humility And a Willingness To Learn.
An interviewee won’t know everything about the company they’ve applied for, nor should you have that expectation of them. They should possess the technical skills required of the position but they should also be given the opportunity to learn the inner workings of your company and how to best apply their skills.
Ask them what they learned at a previous position that stuck with them. Finding a candidate who is teachable can go a long way in helping your company achieve success and to help you stand out as a hiring manager.
How Can TechBridge Help?
Our goal is to bridge the gap between business and employee, matching qualified workers with the companies who need them. We are a full-service staffing and recruiting company that specializes in IT developers with experience in Adobe, Salesforce, Sitecore, and Magento. Whether you are looking for direct-hires, temp-to-hire, or managed partner solutions, we have the top talent you need.
Contact us today and let us bridge the connection between you and the right people for your project.
