Hiring Beyond CVs and Skills

Today I had yet another conversation with a client about problems surrounding staff difficulties and I shared my views that building a team isn’t just about matching qualifications with job descriptions. It’s about finding individuals whose personalities, goals, and work ethics align with your company’s values and vision. If you’re a company focused on health and wellbeing, lets face it; you probably don’t want to hire an avid party goer, heavy drinker and smoker, likewise if you’re a brand focused on partying and trips to vegas…. you get the picture.

Sure, on paper, a candidate might tick all the boxes – impressive qualifications, stellar CV, and glowing recommendations. But what about the intangibles? What about their work ethic, their passion for personal development, their ability to collaborate and innovate? These are the qualities that truly define a dream team member.

Let’s talk about personality compatibility. You’ve found someone with all the right skills and experience, but their personality clashes with the rest of the team. Suddenly, your office becomes a battleground of egos, hindering productivity and creativity. This is just one example why it’s essential to look beyond the CV and assess how well a candidate will fit into your company culture – all part of your brand.

Personal development goals are another crucial aspect to consider. A candidate might be perfect for the job today, but what about tomorrow? Are they committed to continuous learning and growth? Do they have aspirations that align with the future direction of your business? Investing in employees who are eager to develop themselves not only benefits them personally but also adds value to your team and organisation.

Work ethic – the golden trait that every employer dreams of finding. It’s tempting to gravitate towards the so-called “workaholics,” those who burn the midnight oil and live for the job. But let’s be real – working long hours doesn’t always equate to being productive or efficient. Instead, I always recommend looking for individuals who demonstrate proactivity, efficiency, and determination.

Efficiency is key in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s not about how many hours you put in; it’s about what you accomplish in those hours. A team member who can streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and deliver results in a timely manner is worth their weight in gold.

Loyalty is another trait that I hold in high regard. I’m not just looking for someone who will punch in their hours and collect their paycheck – I want team members who are invested in the success of the company, who are willing to go above and beyond to see it thrive. Loyalty breeds trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging – essential ingredients for a high-performing team.

So, how do you go about finding these elusive dream team members? It starts with asking the right questions during the interview process. Sure, you want to know about their previous experience and technical skills, but don’t forget to delve deeper into their motivations, their personalities, their values and their long-term goals.

Beyond the interview, consider implementing assessments or trial periods to gauge how well a candidate meshes with your team dynamic. Observe how they interact with their potential colleagues, how they handle challenges, how they contribute to the overall atmosphere of the workplace. And remember, building a dream team is an ongoing process. As your business evolves, so too will the needs of your team. Stay open to new opportunities, be willing to adapt and grow, and above all, never underestimate the power of investing in the right people.

The Take Away
Hiring the dream team goes beyond simply matching CVs with job descriptions. It’s about finding individuals who not only possess the requisite skills and qualifications but also embody the values and ethos of your company. By prioritising personality compatibility, personal development goals, work ethic, and loyalty, you can assemble a team that not only achieves success but thrives in the process.