Prioritising Behaviours and Personality in Candidate Selection

In today's competitive job market, finding the right talent to propel a company's success is a challenge. This task has led many hiring managers to collaborate with external recruiters to expand their reach and streamline the recruitment process. However, a shift is occurring in recruitment strategies, with an increasing emphasis on assessing candidates based on their behaviours and personality traits rather than solely focusing on skills and experience. This blog explores why it's crucial for hiring managers working with external recruiters to prioritise behaviours and personality traits when searching for the perfect candidate.

1. A Shift in Focus

Traditionally, recruitment has often centred around skills and experience, placing candidates with the most impressive resumes at the forefront. However, this approach can be short-sighted, as skills and experience are not always indicative of a candidate's potential to thrive within a specific company culture or to adapt to evolving industry demands.

Instead, placing a greater emphasis on behaviours and personality traits can lead to a more holistic evaluation of candidates. These qualities not only determine how well an individual can perform the job but also how effectively they can collaborate, communicate, and contribute to a positive work environment.

2. Culture Fit and Team Dynamics

A company's culture is its unique identity, encompassing its values, work ethic, and atmosphere. Hiring employees who align with this culture fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, leading to improved employee engagement and retention.

External recruiters who understand a company's culture and the dynamics of its teams can play a vital role in identifying candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but also resonate with the company's values. By evaluating behaviours and personality traits, recruiters can help ensure that candidates will integrate seamlessly into the existing team, enhancing collaboration and productivity.

3. Adaptability and Growth Potential

Industries are evolving at an unprecedented pace, with new technologies and methodologies constantly reshaping business landscapes. This demands that employees possess not only a solid skill set but also the ability to learn, adapt, and grow alongside their roles.

Prioritising behaviours such as curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset allows companies to identify candidates who are more likely to embrace change and seek out continuous learning opportunities. In collaboration with external recruiters, hiring managers can uncover individuals who not only have the potential to excel in their current roles but also to take on new challenges and responsibilities as the company evolves.

4. Enhancing Employee Engagement

Employees who are genuinely passionate about their work and aligned with the company's vision are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. Personality traits like enthusiasm, passion, and a sense of purpose can drive employees to go the extra mile, contributing to increased innovation and overall success.

When external recruiters focus on assessing candidates' intrinsic motivations and compatibility with the company's mission, they help hiring managers select candidates who are more likely to become valuable, long-term assets to the organisation.

5. Building Stronger Relationships

Collaboration between hiring managers and external recruiters hinges on effective communication and shared goals. By prioritising behaviours and personality traits, both parties can work together more cohesively. Recruiters armed with a deep understanding of the desired traits can present candidates who align closely with the company's vision, resulting in more successful placements and strengthened partnerships.

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the traditional approach of assessing candidates based solely on skills and experience is no longer sufficient. Hiring managers, in collaboration with external recruiters, must shift their focus to evaluating behaviours and personality traits that align with a company's culture, adaptability requirements, and growth potential. This approach not only ensures that candidates are more likely to thrive within the organisation but also enhances team dynamics, employee engagement, and overall company success. By making this shift, businesses can secure a competitive edge in talent acquisition and create a workforce prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

For more tips, check out our Manufacturing Salary Survey 2023 where you will find advice on how to avoid a bad hire and the latest salaries for specific industry roles.