Employees who are well-rounded will make your business better because they will be able to do more for your company, while also being pleasant people to be around, but how exactly do you filter for them and ensure you always hire the most well-rounded employees? Here are a few things that should work.
1. Prioritize Soft Skills
There’s no denying that technical skills are important, but it’s also fair to say that, if an employee is unable to communicate effectively or get on well with their fellow employees, then it could spell disaster for your company. These days, you can learn soft skills doing an MBA or degree, so it should not be too hard to find someone who has them in spades. Just make sure that during interviews, you pay attention to how candidates interact. Do they listen actively? Do they show enthusiasm? Remember, you can teach someone to use new software, but teaching them not to be a jerk is a taller order.
2. Look for Lifelong Learners
Well-rounded business employees often have a thirst for knowledge that goes beyond their job description. They’re the ones taking online courses just for fun or picking up hobbies like urban beekeeping. This curiosity translates into adaptability and innovation in the workplace. Ask candidates about what they’ve learned recently or if they’ve picked up any new skills. Their answers might surprise you—and show you how they’d grow with your company.
3. Assess Cultural Fit
Every company has its own unique vibe. Maybe your office is all about open collaboration and casual Fridays, or perhaps it’s more buttoned-up with a focus on individual achievement. Either way, you’ll want someone who meshes well with your existing team. During the hiring process, give candidates a glimpse into your company culture and see how they react. It’s like dating—you’ve got to have chemistry.
4. Value Versatility
In today’s fast-paced world, roles can evolve quickly. Employees who are flexible and can wear multiple hats bring extra value to the table. Look for candidates who have a diverse background or who’ve taken on varied responsibilities in previous roles. Their ability to pivot when needed will keep your team agile and ready for anything zombie apocalypse included.
5. Check for Problem-Solving Skills
Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how your team handles them that counts. Well-rounded employees are often great problem solvers who think outside the box. Present hypothetical scenarios during the interview and see how candidates navigate them. Do they get flustered, or do they channel their inner Sherlock Holmes? Their approach can reveal a lot about their critical thinking abilities.
6. Encourage Storytelling
Ask candidates to share stories about their past experiences—successes, failures, and everything in between. Storytelling can showcase their communication skills, values, and how they handle various situations. Plus, it’s more engaging than ticking off items on a resume. If they can keep you entertained while explaining how they resolved a workplace conflict, that’s a win.
7. Don’t Underestimate Passion Projects
An employee’s interests outside of work can contribute to a richer company culture. Maybe they volunteer on weekends, play in a band, or run marathons for charity. These activities can develop skills like leadership, time management, and teamwork. Plus, they’ll have some cool stories to share at the next office get-together.
8. Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, you just get a good feeling about someone. While intuition shouldn’t be your only hiring tool (we’ve all been charmed by a smooth talker before), it’s worth paying attention to. Combine that gut feeling with solid evidence from their qualifications and references. If everything lines up, you might have found your unicorn.
Finding well-rounded employees, as you can see, is easier than you think. So. what’s stopping you?
