What happens when you hire a candidate who is great on paper but ultimately a bad fit? That's right, you have to start over, losing time, money, and credibility in the marketplace.
When interviewing candidates for senior roles, we know it's important to consider not only their resume, background, and interview skills, but also factors that reflect their ability to lead and contribute at a higher level. These qualities can be subtle, and require hiring managers to play close attention. Here are some clues to look for:
Inconsistent Career History Frequent job changes without clear, logical reasons can indicate a lack of commitment or stability. While varied experience can be valuable, it’s important to understand the context of their career moves.
Lack of Vision Senior roles often require strategic thinking and long-term vision. If a candidate cannot articulate a clear vision for their role or how they plan to contribute to the company’s goals, they may not be suited for a leadership position.
Poor Communication Skills Effective communication is critical for senior roles. Pay attention to how well candidates articulate their thoughts, listen, and engage in the conversation. Poor communication skills can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies within the team.
Inability to Provide Specific Examples Candidates for senior positions should have a wealth of experience to draw from. If they struggle to provide specific examples of past successes, challenges, and how they’ve overcome obstacles, it may indicate a lack of depth in their experience.
Lack of Cultural Fit While skills and experience are important, cultural fit is crucial for senior roles. If a candidate’s values, style, or approach are at odds with your company’s culture, it can lead to friction and decreased effectiveness.
Unwillingness to Accept Feedback Senior roles require individuals who are open to feedback and continuous improvement. A candidate who appears defensive or dismissive when receiving feedback may struggle to adapt and grow within the organization.
Overemphasis on Personal Achievements While it’s important for candidates to highlight their achievements, an overemphasis on personal success without acknowledging team efforts can indicate a lack of collaboration and an inability to work well with others.
Ethical Concerns Senior leaders must uphold the highest ethical standards. Any signs of questionable ethics, such as vague answers about past controversies or a history of unethical behavior, should be taken very seriously.
Resistance to Change Senior roles often involve driving and managing change. Candidates who express resistance to change or demonstrate inflexibility in their thinking may struggle to lead in a dynamic and evolving business environment.
By being vigilant for these possible red flags, you can better assess a candidate’s suitability for a senior role and ensure they have the qualities needed to lead and succeed in your organization. Make the right hire the first time; get in touch with us! Email Paul, Brent, Troy, or Tara, or give us a call at 519-673-3463 or 416-847-0036.
Comments