What qualities does a great candidate possess?

People often ask me to describe what I call a great candidate. I call them 5-star candidate.

Where do I start when trying to answer that when a great candidate varies depending on the unique skill requirements for every position?

Some people say it is a gut reaction and they will rely on this gut instinct when they believe that they have “connected” with the ideal candidate. I can tell you that anybody who uses this approach is doing a serious disservice to their company.

After explaining the need to look at the specific needs of the position at hand as well as determining the fit within the company, there are a few areas to further investigate while you conduct your behavioural interview questions.

I think one of the best general outlines that describes a great candidate, is the criteria that former G.E. CEO Jack Walsh used when he hired his reports.

Walsh says that there needs to be the presence of 4 E’s and 1 P in order to identify a great candidate. 

 He outlines those as follows:

Energy – They must possess a great abundance of this quality.

Energize others – They must also be able to get others excited about moving towards a common goal.

Edge – They must have the ability to make decisions and not spend time waffling or over-analyzing.

Execution – There must be a track record of delivering and performing desired results.

Passion – The best people in their field are the ones who are passionate about what they do for a living. A candidate with passion will light up the room when they speak about their job.

The ideal candidate has all of these elements which is probably the best way for me to describe a 5 Star candidate.

When you are interviewing for your next hire, be sure to ask behavioural questions that address and target each of these areas. 

Farewell,

Mike