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Hire for Potential and Soft Skills

What do you look for in a new employee?

Many hiring managers make the mistake of searching for a candidate who has performed the same role at another company and can “hit the ground running” on day one. The appeal of a candidate like this is they need minimal training and meet all of the manager’s requirements on the hiring wish list. The problem with this strategy is your new hire may not stay long. The questions you need to ask:

  • Why would someone want to move companies to perform the same job?
  • If they do accept the position, how long will they be satisfied?

Most employees – and this is especially true for high performers – are looking to develop their skills and move into a new role. Look for candidates with the potential as well as the soft skills such as attitude, teamwork, communication, and flexibility. These are skills you cannot teach.

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Carol Irwin

Carol works with our clients to develop and improve HR policies, procedures, employee programs, and solve difficult people management issues.

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