5 Qualities of a Great Employee and Candidate

Whether you are hiring and trying to make sure you find the most suitable candidate, or applying for jobs and trying to make sure you’re showing potential employers all your skills and abilities, here are 5 signs to look for in a successful candidate.

1. Goal setter
   Per a CareeerBuilder.com survey, a strong work ethic is one of the top qualities hiring managers look for in a candidate. 73% of respondents want to see applicants demonstrate their ability to work hard. Valued employees also have the ability to focus on what’s important without being distracted, and are able to prioritize.
2. Good at following through
   Candidates who show a commitment to completing tasks, and following instructions as assigned
   during the application process will likely continue this behavior as employees. They finish what they start, and do what they say they will do.
3. Self-motivated
   Most valued employees are not satisfied with the status quo. They are looking for ways to improve themselves and their environment. Managers also like candidates who can take initiative and get work done with little or no encouragement.
4. Team & collaboration oriented
   Exceptional employees work well with others and are comfortable collaborating with a team. Companies succeed based on the work of teams and departments, not just individuals. When reviewing applications, look for candidates with a history of collaboration. These kinds of employees also view their role as larger than the job description and look for ways to help the organization, and will not ignore a problem or an issue they can help with because it’s not in their job description. They step up and help out when something needs to be done.
5. Sense of humor
   Just as it is important to know when it’s time to get serious and down to business, it’s also important for employees to be able to have some fun and lighten up the workplace with an appropriate sense of humor. Humor is contagious, and a good sense of humor is a common trait of the best employees.

Behavioral interviewing is the methodology we utilize to determine if a candidate has the above skills and abilities. Specifically, what you have done in the past is what you will do in the future presuming the business culture is an excellent fit. Thus, it is important to provide quantifiable real life examples that highlight the 5 qualities above.