A bad hire will cost your company about 30 percent of the employee annual earnings. As a business owner or hiring manager, you don’t want the company to keep losing money because it keeps making bad hires. But then, hiring the right employee isn’t that easy. Even an employee who ticks all the boxes during recruitment can turn out to be one of your worst hires.
This begs the question: what makes a good employee? What traits and characteristics should you look out for when hiring?
Read on to learn the common characteristics of a good employee.
Qualified for Their Role
It’s not uncommon for employers to overlook the technical characteristics of an employee when evaluating whether they are a good employee or not. This is a big mistake.
A good employee is good at what they do, first and foremost. If they’re a coding specialist, they need to be able to write good code. If they’re an accountant, you should be able to demonstrate that they’ve mastered the craft.
When hiring new employees, ensure you’re bringing in people who have met the qualifications you’ve spelled out for the job. If a bachelor’s degree in computer science is needed, ensure they have this. Don’t settle for someone with a lower qualification just because everything else about them is exceptional.
A Natural Cultural Fit
The modern organization has a culture. You have worked hard to build this culture, whether it’s laid back and friendly or stern and serious.
A good employee should be a natural fit for your organizational culture; otherwise, it won’t be long before they become a square peg in a round hole.
When hiring, don’t make the assumption that an employee will gradually fit into the culture of the organization. You’re safer hiring someone who is a good fit right from the onset.
If you don’t know how to determine whether a potential employee isn’t a good cultural fit, it’s advisable to outsource your recruitment to a staffing agency. Look here to learn more about how you’ll benefit.
Demonstratable Professionalism
Professionalism is the conduct, attitude, and behavior of an employee.
Of course, you expect every employee to showcase professionalism, but there are different levels. A good employee should demonstrate a heightened sense of professionalism. In the workplace, they should relate with colleges and clients in a professional manner.
Because your employees are also your brand ambassadors, you can count on employees who demonstrate a high level of professionalism to be good ambassadors. They aren’t likely to do things that will harm the good reputation of your organization.
Willing to Learn and Take on Challenges
A good employee is willing to learn new things.
The modern workplace is in a constant state of evolution. Technology is changing at the speed of light. Challenges are second nature. An employee who isn’t quick to learn or adapt will struggle to thrive in such a workplace.
The Many Characteristics of a Good Employee
There isn’t a standard set of characteristics of a good employee, but there are those traits that are universal. A good employee is qualified for their job, has high levels of professionalism, is a perfect fit into the organization’s workplace culture, and is always willing to learn.
Happy hiring and keep reading our blog for more workplace tips.
