As one of the leading staffing firms in South Florida, Future Force knows that dependability is a critical trait for employees on the job. No matter how skilled they are, if you can’t count on them, then talent doesn’t matter much. But when it comes to hiring, how can you spot candidates who will be dependable once hired? Here are some tips to help you in the process.
Create a list of traits.
Dependability is a broad topic. That’s why it’s important to define what it means to you. So make a list of behaviors you’d expect to see in your new hire. For instance:
- Getting assigned tasks done on time.
- Showing up promptly to meetings and to work.
- Demonstrates consistent performance over time.
- Is willing to take on extra work when needed.
Think about what questions to ask.
When you’re screening for dependability, you’re going to want to ask questions that help you evaluate that trait in each candidate. For instance, if getting assignments done on time is critically important, then ask how candidates typically go about prioritizing and completing their work. You can also ask them to talk about a time when they went the extra mile to complete an important task.
Give them a homework assignment.
Another way to evaluate a candidate’s dependability beyond the interview is to give them a small homework assignment. If they turn it in correctly and on time, then you know if you’ve likely got a reliable new hire on your hands.
Evaluate their performance during the hiring process.
When you’re considering a candidate, think through how they’ve performed during the hiring process. For instance, were they responsive when you emailed them, or did they take two days to respond? Also, did they seem eager during the interview, or not that interested in the position? These clues can give you some indication of what the candidate will really be like if hired.
Call their references.
Don’t skip this final all-important step. Just make sure when you do call references, you ask questions specific to dependability so you can properly assess the candidate.
Need help with the hiring process?
As one of the leading staffing firms in South Florida, we’ve been providing local employers with fast access to the area’s top talent. So if you’re ready for some professional help staffing your team, give Future Force a call.