What To Look For In The Perfect Job Candidate

If you find yourself in the position of an employer interviewing candidates for a position at your place of business, it can be difficult to ascertain the true qualities of the candidate in front of you. Qualifications and letters of reference do not always paint the whole picture, and simply asking the right questions may not lead to honest answers. Picking the wrong person for a job can set you back time and money and at worst, can do real harm to your business. With that in mind, what are some steps you can take to find out if a potential employee really is perfect for the job?

See If They Have Done Their Research

A good sign you are hiring someone that has some initiative and dedication is to check they have done their homework on you and your business. You can ask questions regarding the company specifically, not just about the nature of the business, but take into account the company values, culture, and direction for the future and if they have done research on similar businesses in Geelong. You can also ask them for their thoughts on what the company needs or can do to improve, to get an idea of their understanding of the field. To really test them, ask about your competitors or similar companies too. 

Set A Task

Another good way to separate the wheat from the chaff is to set a small and achievable task. It could be something based on the role they are applying for, or something softer that can give an idea of their personal characteristics. The experts at Forbes suggest that a good candidate shouldn’t have a problem with completing a small task, and you will be able to get some tangible evidence that can help you make a decision. 

Get Out Of The Interview Environment

If you have the time available, try to make a component of the interview a more casual interaction. Leaving the office to go to a coffee shop or outdoor space can help the candidate feel a bit more comfortable and answer questions more honestly. Showing a bit of the human side of the company, or giving an example of some of the downtime activities available, can also give them a better sense of your work environment. The interview room can be a lot of pressure, so why not change it up to get a more well-rounded view of your candidate. 

Find Out About Their Aspirations And Goals

Make sure to find out as much as you can about what the candidate is looking for in the future of their career. Knowing what you can do for them is just as important as what they can do for you. If your goals are not aligned, or you can’t provide what they are looking for, it doesn’t matter how good the resume is, it’s not a good match. Be honest about what you can offer, and you will be able to tell if they take that well or not. 

We hope these tips will help you find the right candidate for your company, and choose someone who is going to be happy and fulfilled moving forward with your business. There are plenty of pitfalls faced when interviewing for a position, so keep your mind open, follow your instincts and prepare well, and you will find someone who can add to your business and help it grow rather than do unnecessary damage.