Defining your Ideal Candidate in Talent Acquisition
Lucie Jeffries, Factotum’s Head of Talent Acquisition says “When it comes to building a high-performing team, it’s easy to get caught up in the qualifications, skills, and experience that a candidate brings to the table. While these are vital, it’s really important to consider the role that personality, interests and an aligned outlook play when it comes to finding the right person for your business.
Lucie Jefferies, Head of Talent Acquisition outlines how to identify what good looks like for your organisation.
Why Interests and Personality Are Important
Personality fit is one of the most important factors in talent acquisition. We look for the ability to work well with others, and aim to understand whether candidates’ values, interests and work style would fit into your organisation.
When your interests are aligned, your employees are more likely to be genuinely passionate about their work, leading to increased productivity. Additionally, shared interests foster a sense of camaraderie and create opportunities for collaboration and innovation. This results in creating a harmonious and high performing work environment.
Cultural Fit and Values Alignment
Your organisation’s culture and values are the backbone of your identity. These qualities set the tone for how things are done, and shape the overall work environment. When you’re recruiting it’s crucial to assess a candidate’s cultural fit and alignment with your organisation’s values. Look for individuals who share your company’s mission, vision, and core beliefs. The right person for the job not only possesses the necessary skills but also embodies the values and cultural nuances that will integrate seamlessly into your organisation.
Collaboration and Team Dynamics
While individual talent is valuable, it’s the fit between team members that often leads to exceptional outcomes. When you’re evaluating candidates, consider not only their individual skills but also their ability to collaborate and work well with others. Assess how they communicate, problem-solve, and contribute to a positive team environment. The right person for the job is someone who can build strong working relationships, foster collaboration, and enhance the overall team dynamic.
Trust and Engagement
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and the workplace is no exception. Building trust takes time and effort, but it’s essential for fostering open communication, collaboration, and innovation within a team. When you’re evaluating candidates, consider their track record of building trust and their ability to establish rapport with colleagues and stakeholders. Look for indicators of trustworthiness, such as reliability, integrity, and a genuine interest in fostering positive working relationships. The right person for the job will be someone who engenders trust, creates a positive work environment, and promotes high levels of employee engagement.
Long-Term Growth and Retention
Finding the right person for the job goes beyond immediate needs. It’s about identifying people who have the potential for long-term growth and are committed to your organisation’s success. Employees who feel valued, supported, and connected to their colleagues are more likely to stay and contribute to your organisation’s growth.
By considering the candidate’s ability to build and nurture relationships, you increase the likelihood of long-term retention and reduce turnover. Investing in relationships and creating a supportive work environment is more likely to pay dividends in the form of employee loyalty and commitment.
Find out how our Executive Search and Talent division can help you. Our team has placed top-tier talent in all sizes of companies from global multinationals through to funded start-ups and SME’s.
