What are Companies Looking for Today?

What qualities does a company look for in a candidate? Here at Quest Groups we have a unique insight into this question. Every company/startup has different requirements and necessities.

Companies generally look at a candidate’s educational background and previous work experience. In the startup community this information is essential. Employers must be confident that a candidate knows what they are doing and has experience doing it. Employers also look at the longevity of each position a candidate has held and whether they are familiar with the startup community. A company needs to be able to count on a candidate to be there to help it grow and succeed. These companies also look at every candidate's skillset. They look to see what extra skills a candidate has that can be of some value to the company.

Companies also take into consideration a candidate’s work ethic and how eager they are to work with their product/service. They look at the culture of their company and decide whether it would be a good fit with each personality. A candidate must possess excellent communication and be a team player. These are not all the qualities a company looks for in a candidate but they are some of the most important. For advice on how to build your resume to pass the “glance test,” refer to our previous blog. https://questgroups.blogspot.com/2016/08/what-recruiter-sees-in-your-resume.html

Are you a Good Leader?

In the recruiting world, leadership is essential to maintain lasting relationships and to train new hires. I asked our recruiters what they considered the number one quality of a great leader. Here are some of their responses: 

“Be a Problem Solver”

A good leader should look at problems and find the solutions. make sure they look at problems and find the solutions. Instead of focusing on the problem, good leaders focus on the solutions and how to fix it for the future. Strong leaders always look to the future and what can be improved.

“Lead by Example”

Leaders should hold everyone to the same standard. A leader should hold themselves to a higher standard. They need to make sure everything they say and do is on the next level to help motivate and elevate their team.

“Listening and communication”

Leaders must take the time to listen and communicate with each other and their teammates. Communication is a key fundamental in life. Everyone should be able to express what they like, what they don’t like, what is being done well and what needs to be improved upon. Listening goes hand in hand with communication. A good leader needs to listen to their teammates and colleagues. This shows compassion, understanding and engagement.

“Empathy”

Good leaders need to be able to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Having empathy allows a leader to help their employees and colleagues. It is always helpful to look at the world through another person’s point of view. This allows leaders to understand what is going on and how they can be supportive/help.   

“Vision”

Leaders must have a vision. They must know where they would like to go and be able to paint that vision in their employees’ minds. Knowing the vision of the company and their team allows motivation and success to be limitless.

“Accountability”

Being accountable is one of the highest qualities that a leader must possess. A leader needs to hold themselves to higher standards and be dependable. Their team must be able to depend on them for help, inspiration and feedback.

A leader must possess these qualities and many more. Leadership is: constantly growing personally and professionally, helping others around you to grow and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. Do you have what it takes?