How to Answer: What qualities and traits do you look for in a candidate when hiring?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Manager job interview.
24. What qualities and traits do you look for in a candidate when hiring?
What You Need to Know
There are many great qualities that you can look for when hiring an employee. Still, the interviewer wants to hear that you understand the importance of engaging people who fit the workplace culture and have a proven theme of dedication to their work.
These are the core traits that every hiring manager should look for:
- Confident, yet humble
- Related education
- Ability to receive and implement feedback
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Self-driven and self-motivated
- Willingness to work with a team
- Reliability and dependability
- Transparency and honesty
In addition to these core traits, let the interviewer know that you also seek out unique skills. Some examples of exceptional skills or attributes are:
- Experience in your particular software or programs
- Interest in continued education opportunities
- Volunteer experience
- Interest in being a coach or mentor
- Bilingual or skilled in multiple languages
- Comfortability with presenting and public speaking
Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020
Entry Level Example
"When hiring, I believe it is important to find people with a history of being dependable, on time, and knowing how to meet deadlines and exceed expectations. In this particular industry, I would also seek out candidates who have international experience and perhaps speak multiple languages or are well traveled."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"When hiring, I look for the main core traits such as steady confidence and the ability to think for themselves. I also give preference to people who are active in volunteering. It's important to hire those who like to give back and spend time investing in others."
Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020
Experienced Example
"In my pre-screen telephone interviews, the first question I always ask is, 'Tell Me About Yourself.' This single question tells me everything I need to know about the candidate. They either ramble, freeze, or know precisely how to represent themselves. The candidates who are confident, and know who they are, are the ones that I move forward to the next stage of interviews."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
collaborative nature/team player
ability to meet deadlines"
Marcie's Feedback