Here is a list of traits you should look for when interviewing a job candidate. I suggest you pick ten critical ones and focus on those. I’ve put (*) beside the ones I always focus on.
- Attainment/Goal-oriented (*)
- Decision making
- Interdependence
- Introspection (*)
- Leadership (*)
- Organizational skills (*)
- People/interpersonal skills (*)
- Pressure – can they handle it? (*)
- Sales ability
- Tenacity (*)
- Values (*)
- Assertiveness
- Coaching ability
- Conflict – ability to handle it (*)
- Customer service
- Emotional intelligence (*)
- Patience
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills (Written and verbal)
- Diplomacy skills
- Listening skills
- Negotiation skills
- Precision/attention to detail (*)
- Problem-solver (*)
- Resourcefulness
- Risk taking
- Teamwork
- Technology skills (*)
- Work/life balance
- Ability to delegate
- Job knowledge
- Management of change
- Strategic thinking
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Inventiveness
Rating Guide
When you interview 10 people, only one of them should have a ‘5’ in each of the areas you are using to profile them. By implementing this rigorous process, you won’t let average candidates slip by because you rated them too high.
At least one candidate out of 10 will be a ‘1’, perhaps two of them will be a ‘2’, ‘4’ maybe be a ‘3’. If you’re rating them all the same, force yourself to get more realistic with your ratings.
How to Score
a. 5 = 10% of population
b. 4 = 20% of population
c. 3 = 40% of population
d. 2 = 20% of population
e. 1 = 10% of population
NO half marks allowed
