Hiring Top Notch Employees: 10 Qualities to Look for

With the large number of unemployed people today, including those who have been laid off from their previous works and those who have just graduated from college, finding an employee for your company is not that difficult. Finding a great one is a completely different story.

Since we all know the great contribution employees can make for a company, it is only right that employers are able to find the right kind of people who will be an asset and not a liability for their companies. If you are one of those employers searching for exemplary employees, here is a list of the top 10 qualities you should look for:

1. Talent and Skill

An applicant’s educational background, training and work experience are all major factors that you should always consider. However, it is not right that you solely base an applicant’s competency on the school he graduated from or the number of years he has worked. Even fresh graduates or those who came from not so prominent schools may possess the potential of being a great employee. Doing efficient employment screening that includes practical examinations that will test the applicant’s skills and talent is a very important thing to do.

2. Productivity and Efficiency

It is not enough that an applicant is talented or skillful, he must also possess the right kind of working attitude that will make him a productive and efficient employee. Contacting his former employees will give you an idea on the kind of working attitude and performance that the applicant has. Be sure to not only ask the previous employers whether the applicant was a good employee or not, but be more specific and ask about how well the applicant performed his duties and whether or not he had the initiative to always give his best.

3. Honesty, Trustworthiness and Good Work Ethic

Even the most talented and skillful employee still would not make it as employee of the year if he is not honest, trustworthy and if he does not have good work ethics. This is why right from the start, be sure that the applicant has no criminal records. Undertaking an employment background check is your best defense against people who have been involved in cases of fraud, forgery, violence, sexual abuse and many other unscrupulous and malicious acts.

4. Presentable Image

Because your employees represent your company, a presentable image is a must. The applicant does not necessarily have to look like a model but he must at least be well groomed, properly dressed and has good manners.

5. Emotionally Stable

Having an employee who bursts into tears or explodes into hot vicious temper every time you say something negative about his work can be such a pain for the employer. A psychological exam and employment background checks help you determine which employees are emotionally stable and those who are not.

6. Dependability

A great employee will never let you down. If you assign him to do a task, you can expect the best results on time.

7. Ability to Relate and Work Well with Others

Because a company composes of not only one but a large number of employees, it is only proper that you choose an employee who will be able to work and relate well with others, someone who has a positive disposition about life and someone who does not spend a lot of time gossiping or backstabbing the co-employees.

8. Professionalism

An exemplary employee will not make up excuses for not doing his job well, will still come to work even if he is feeling a little ill, and will not bring home problems at work.

9. Manageability

There are certain employees who always think they are better than their bosses, who do not listen to instructions and who resort doing their own way. These are the people, who are difficult to train and manage, and the kind of employees you would want to stay away from.

10. Passion for the Job

A great employee does not work only for the paycheck. He works well because he loves his job and he is sincerely concerned with the affairs of the company.

When looking for excellent employees, it all boils down to these three things: great minds, passionate hearts, and driven spirits. Good luck with your employee hunt.