Attributes We Need in Our Employees

When it comes time to sort through resumes and set up interviews for new hires, it's natural to feel apprehensive.

Deciding on those to add to your small business team is one of the most vital decisions you can make for the future of your company - the right employee will add value and be worth their weight in gold, while the wrong employee can quickly lower team morale and drain your resources.

So just how can you ensure you find the best employee when it's time to hire? What are some of the attributes you should be looking for in your new hire?

Think Personality Before Skills

Of course you want your new employee to have the skills necessary to be an asset to your business, but it's easy to get caught up in finding the right skills at the expense of finding the right person.

As the article " Five Attributes of Great Employees You Want to Hire" points out, skills can be refined and taught, but attitude can't.

Look for employees who have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude and enough skills and smarts to build on, and you'll find the right fit for your business.

Five Attributes Every New Hire Needs

A positive attitude and friendly disposition will go a long way to helping your new hire fit in.

Here are five other attributes to look for in your new hire:

1. Passion

Passion for your business is an absolute must in any employee. People who believe in your business   will give it their all and show you that it matters to them. It's hard to motivate someone who doesn't feel passion for what they do, so go with those who have that fire. Look for genuine passion when talking about their career, and signs that they've taken an interest in your company and gone out of their way to learn about you.

2. Honesty

Honesty is really the keystone of all other attributes. Without honesty and trustworthiness, you can't put your faith in your employees. Honest and transparent answers to questions, a sense of openness and authenticity, and the willingness to admit mistakes and the lessons learned from them are all good indicators of honesty in your candidates.

3. Leadership

No matter where your new hire will be starting in your company, strong leadership skills are a must. From moving towards promotion to leading a team on a specific project, leadership is a skill that goes hand in hand with being able to work well with. Leadership doesn't only come from work related activities - involvement in voluntary organizations, professional associations and more can give you a sense of your new hire's leadership skills.  

4. Commitment

Every business has its busy times and challenges. You want to know that your employees are going to be there for you and for each other when necessary.  Commitment is linked to passion - employees who are passionate about your business will be willing to go the extra mile to help it succeed, including reaching out to colleagues and lending a hand. Ask about past challenges and responsibilities to learn more about your potential hire's commitment to the task at hand.

5. Flexibility

The ability to grow and change as necessary is important for any business, and for anyone working in it. From new software to new products to changing legislation and staying alert to customer's needs and wants, flexibility is a key aspect of succeeding in business. When it comes to day to day tasks, flexibility makes for an employee who can pitch in and lend a hand no matter what, and adapt quickly to changes.

Finding the right employee for your business takes time and careful consideration.

The right employee is one of the most valuable assets your business can have, so stay alert for a great attitude and key attributes to find the newest member of your team.