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When companies are looking to hire new employees, they want to find the best people who can help their business grow and succeed. But with so many talented and skilled candidates out there, it can be hard to decide who to hire. Companies need to figure out not only who has the right skills but also who will fit in well with their team and share their goals.
To make this easier, many business leaders look for specific skills in the people they hire. These skills can be divided into two types: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical abilities that someone needs to do a specific job, like knowing how to use a computer program or being good at math. Soft skills are more about how someone works with others, like being a good communicator or being able to solve problems creatively.
20 Skills
In this article, we’ll explore 20 skills that business leaders think are the most important when hiring new employees. These leaders are members of the Forbes Business Council, a group of successful business owners and executives. They share their thoughts on how to balance technical skills with cultural fit to find the best people for the job.
1. Adaptability
Ovais Riaz from Evrima Chicago says that adaptability is one of the most important skills to look for in a new employee. Adaptability means being able to adjust to new situations and handle changes easily. In today’s fast-paced work environment, things can change quickly, so employees need to be flexible. While technical skills are important, Riaz also looks for people who share the company’s values and can work well with others. This helps ensure that the new hire will not only do their job well but also help the team succeed.
2. Creative Problem-Solving
Leeatt Rothschild from Packed with Purpose believes that creative problem-solving is a key skill for any employee. This means being able to come up with new and innovative solutions to challenges. In a growing business, employees need to think on their feet and find ways to improve processes or solve problems. Rothschild looks for candidates who can work within broad guidelines and come up with their own ideas. This helps the company stay innovative and competitive.
3. Commitment and Long-Term Alignment
Jacob Kupietzky from HCT Executive Interim Management & Consulting values commitment and long-term alignment in new hires. He wants employees who are not just looking for a job but who want to grow with the company. During interviews, he asks candidates about their long-term goals to see if they match the company’s mission. While technical skills are important, Kupietzky believes that cultural fit is what keeps employees around for the long term. When employees care about the company and its goals, they are more likely to stay and help the business succeed.
4. A Growth Mindset
Nono Bokete from Data Sentinels looks for employees with a growth mindset. This means they are eager to learn new things and improve their skills. Bokete believes that skills can be taught, but a person’s mindset and values are more important. He also focuses on shared values like collaboration and respect to ensure that new hires fit in with the company culture. By hiring people who are open to learning and who share the company’s values, Bokete creates a team that is both skilled and united.
5. Curiosity
Mary Kier from ZRG Partners, LLC thinks curiosity is a great quality in an employee. Curious people are always asking questions and looking for ways to improve. They are often more engaged in their work and come up with new ideas. Kier also finds that curious people are easier to work with and tend to be happier in their jobs. This makes them valuable team members who can help the company grow.
6. Communication
Abhishek Jajoo from AJMS Global Consulting LLC says that communication is a critical skill for any employee. Good communication helps teams work together and build strong relationships. During interviews, Jajoo asks candidates situational questions to see how they have communicated in past roles. This helps him understand how well they can work with others and lead teams. By hiring good communicators, Jajoo ensures that his team can collaborate effectively.
7. Resourcefulness and Adaptability
Raquel Gomes from Stafi believes that resourcefulness and adaptability are key skills for employees. Resourceful people can find solutions to problems on their own, while adaptable people can handle changes easily. Gomes also looks for employees who share the company’s mission and goals. She believes that open communication and trust are important for building a strong team. By hiring resourceful and adaptable employees, Gomes ensures that her team can handle challenges and keep moving forward.
8. Emotional Intelligence
Stephen Nalley from Black Briar Advisors thinks emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills for employees. Emotional intelligence means being able to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This helps employees work well with their teammates and resolve conflicts in a positive way. Nalley believes that while technical skills can be taught, emotional intelligence is something that employees need to bring to the table. By hiring emotionally intelligent people, Nalley creates a team that can communicate effectively and work well together.
9. Resilience
Alberta Johnson from People Experts LLC values resilience in employees. Resilient people can handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks. They are also more likely to embrace change and learn from their experiences. Johnson believes that resilient employees make great leaders because they can stay focused on their goals even when things get tough. By hiring resilient people, Johnson ensures that her team can handle whatever challenges come their way.
10. Humility
Cerys Goodall from Vetster thinks humility is an important quality in employees. Humble people are more likely to work well with others and be open to feedback. They are also more likely to focus on the team’s success rather than their own. Goodall believes that humble employees make better leaders and are more likely to stay with the company for a long time. By hiring humble people, Goodall creates a positive and collaborative work environment.
11. The Ability to Tell Stories
Kolja Brand from Aurum Future values storytelling as a skill in employees. Storytelling helps people explain complex ideas in a simple way and can spark collaboration. During interviews, Brand asks candidates to share stories about how they have solved problems in the past. This helps him see how well they can communicate and work with others. By hiring good storytellers, Brand ensures that his team can share ideas and work together effectively.
12. Honesty
Dr. David Lenihan from Tiber Health believes that honesty is one of the most important qualities in an employee. Honest employees are trustworthy and reliable, which makes them valuable team members. Lenihan also looks for employees who are skilled in the tools and technology they need for their jobs. He believes that if someone is highly qualified but doesn’t fit the company’s mission, they can still be a good hire as long as they are honest and hardworking.
13. A Results-Driven Mindset
Andrew Block from Block Performance Solutions looks for employees with a results-driven mindset. This means they are focused on achieving goals and delivering measurable results. Block believes that leaders with this mindset know how to prioritize tasks and find ways to succeed. By hiring results-driven employees, Block ensures that his team can achieve their goals and help the business grow.
14. Empathy
Alex Kreger from UXDA | Financial UX Design thinks empathy is a critical skill for employees. Empathy means being able to understand and share the feelings of others. Kreger looks for employees who can empathize with customers and understand their needs. During interviews, he asks candidates to solve customer scenarios to see how well they can balance problem-solving with empathy. By hiring empathetic employees, Kreger ensures that his team can provide great customer experiences.
15. Tech Curiosity
Sabeer Nelliparamban from Tyler Petroleum Inc. values tech curiosity in employees. Tech-curious people are excited to learn about new tools and technologies. Nelliparamban believes that this curiosity helps employees stay up-to-date in a fast-changing world. He also looks for employees who share the company’s values and can work well with others. By hiring tech-curious people, Nelliparamban ensures that his team can adapt to new challenges and stay innovative.
16. A Proactive, Data-Driven Mindset
Jesper With-Fogstrup from Moneypenny looks for employees with a proactive, data-driven mindset. Proactive employees take initiative and address challenges before they become problems. A data-driven mindset means using information to make decisions and improve processes. With-Fogstrup believes that these traits help create a results-focused and innovative workplace. By hiring proactive and data-driven employees, With-Fogstrup ensures that his team can achieve their goals and keep improving.
17. Comfort With Ambiguity
Hope Horner from Lemonlight thinks comfort with ambiguity is a key skill for employees, especially in small companies. Ambiguity means dealing with uncertainty and not having all the answers. Horner looks for employees who can handle this uncertainty and adapt quickly. She believes that these employees help the team stay flexible and focused on the mission. By hiring people who are comfortable with ambiguity, Horner ensures that her team can handle the challenges of a fast-changing environment.
18. A Team Player
Zain Jaffer from Zain Ventures values employees who are team players. Team players know how to work well with others and take feedback without getting defensive. Jaffer believes that while technical skills are important, cultural fit is just as crucial. He looks for employees who can adapt to different situations and work well with the rest of the team. By hiring team players, Jaffer creates a positive and collaborative work environment.
19. Persistence
Arar Han from Sabot Family Companies thinks persistence is an important quality in employees. Persistent people keep trying even when things are tough. Han believes that this persistence helps employees turn effort into success. By hiring persistent people, Han ensures that his team can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
20. A Willingness to Take Risks
Yves Remmler from Endeavor Elements, Inc. looks for employees who are willing to take risks. He believes that employees who act like founders and take bold moves can drive the company’s mission forward. Remmler values agency and ownership in employees, meaning they take responsibility for their actions. By hiring risk-takers, Remmler ensures that his team can challenge the status quo and help the company grow.
Conclusion
Hiring the right people is one of the most important things a company can do. By looking for specific skills like adaptability, creativity, and communication, business leaders can find employees who will help their company succeed. Balancing technical skills with cultural fit ensures that new hires will not only do their jobs well but also work well with the team. By focusing on these skills, companies can build strong, successful teams that can handle any challenge.