In our last post, we shared some of the red flags that hiring managers and candidates notice — and sometimes ignore — during the interview process, which can lead to costly hiring mistakes. The good news is there are many green lights to look for that can ensure success for both the hiring company and the new employee.
What are these green lights? They are signs that a candidate will not only exceed your expectations for the role, but make meaningful contributions to your business, and find personal fulfillment in the process.
Green lights for hiring managers
- Shows up prepared. When a candidate has taken the time to learn about your company, its values, and position in your market, it demonstrates their investment in learning more about the role.
- Actively listens. It’s one thing for a candidate to have well-prepared answers to standard interview questions, and it’s another for them to pivot during the interview based on the arc of conversation.
- Uses positive language to convey genuine enthusiasm for the role and describe past work experiences.
- Solid resume. A well-organized resume that is free of typos and grammatical errors — and factually verifiable — demonstrates a candidate’s professionalism and integrity.
- Cites specific examples to support their accomplishments and professional skills.
- Shows curiosity. Candidates who ask thoughtful questions and have a history of learning new things may be able to grow the position and contribute throughout your organization even if they don’t check all of the boxes on your job description.
- Offers good reasons for gaps and turnover. Life happens, and many people have a gap or quick job hop on their resume, and most of them have a valid explanation.
- Has a collaborative mindset. Candidates who describe professional successes — while crediting mentors, colleagues or business partners — clearly demonstrate they value collaborating with others.
Green lights for candidates
- Your interviewer shows up prepared. Nothing makes a candidate feel valued like a hiring manager who has taken the time to not only scan your resume, but prepare in other ways, like looking at your LinkedIn profile.
- The company values resonate. Increasingly, candidates want to work for companies that have a clearly defined values — principles and guideposts that align with their own.
- It demonstrates fair hiring practices. If the salary range is listed on the job posting, it’s a good sign the company is committed to pay transparency and equitable pay.
- The job is clearly defined. Clear, detailed answers to your questions about the function and responsibilities of the position set you up for success.
- Established onboarding and training. Starting a new job is exciting and stressful, and a smooth onboarding process can help you get connected with your team and day-to-day functions more quickly.
- There are opportunities for growth in the position and the organization.
- Inclusive and diverse environment. Looking at a company’s website and social media feeds is an easy way to see if they are fostering diverse talent, and the presence of Employee Resource Groups is another great indicator.
- Flexibility. A company with leaders who trust their employees will often provide flexible schedules that accommodate some level of remote work.
Looking for green lights during the interview process is a great way to ensure that the relationship between a company and new employee will be productive, mutually profitable, and enduring.
