Is there such a thing as a perfect employee? A superhero/rock star/Jack or Jill of all trades with all the skills in the world to drive the kind of success a company can only dream about?

The search for this ideal is more than just about matching skills and experience. Some prospective associates can make a solid, standout impression with the right set of qualities that align with company culture and values. 

In a perfect scenario, the right hire brings fresh ideas, enhances productivity and contributes to the overall growth of an organization. If you had to boil down the four best, deal-breaking qualities in your next hire, what should they be? Here are our picks.

Adaptability

The modern workplace is constantly changing, and businesses must roll with the punches to stay ahead of the curve. Adaptable, malleable employees can quickly adjust to new situations, learn new skills and thrive in dynamic environments. They can handle any unexpected challenges thrown their way and work effectively under pressure.

Adaptable employees are not intimidated by change; they embrace it. Open-minded and willing to try new things, these great problem solvers devise creative solutions in the face of unexpected obstacles.

When hiring, look for candidates who have demonstrated adaptability in their past experiences. Ask questions about how they have dealt with change in previous roles and what they did to overcome any obstacles. Are they flexible and willing to learn new skills?

A Strong Work Ethic

Companies need employees willing to work hard and go the extra mile to get the job done. Candidates with strong work principles are disciplined, punctual and reliable with a positive, can-do attitude. What else do they have in common? They’re dedicated to their work and take pride in delivering high-quality results. 

During the interview process, ask the candidate to describe a situation where they had to go above and beyond their job requirements to achieve a goal. What challenges did they face and overcome head-on? Follow through to evaluate their work ethic and determine if they would be a good fit for your organization.

Eager to Collaborate

It’s a fact that companies need employees who can work with others to achieve a common goal. A team player is willing and enthusiastic to put the team’s collective goals ahead of their own through collaboration. These valued workers are also good listeners, communicators and problem-solvers — qualities that aren’t merely byproducts, but standout traits.

Explore this with a candidate interviewing for an open role. Inquire about a time they met or exceeded project expectations when working as a team. How does this play into their team player potential?

Always Learning

A career isn’t just a one-track destination from entry level to retirement. It’s a long road trip filled with chances to snatch up experience, skills, maturity and more. Given that the business world is on a similar path, companies need talented associates who can keep up with those changes alongside them. 

With that, continuous learners are committed to learning new skills and expanding their knowledge base. They are curious, open-minded and eager to adopt new skills, working methods, and ways of doing things differently. These employees can help organizations stay competitive by bringing new ideas and perspectives to the table.

Find the Ideal Mix

The right employee with the right mix of qualities adds so much value to your company. They can handle challenges, achieve goals and contribute to the overall success of the organization. And they help organizations stay competitive, increase productivity and create a positive workplace culture. 

Talented professionals with these positive traits (and others) are out there; but where, and how, do you find them? Turn to Turn2Partners. We’re committed to the needs of our clients and candidates, helping them achieve ongoing success. Start your talent search by contacting us today.