How to Hire for Any Organization

Don’t just focus on culture fit. Look for future fit, as well.

Rodrigo Lopez
Marker

--

Photo: katleho Seisa/Getty Images

HHiring is critical, yet organizations fail at it time and time again. The best candidates are rarely chosen, and a lot of not-so-great candidates are selected for all the wrong reasons: nepotism, politics, bias, etc.

After sitting on both sides of the table, I believe there are fundamental characteristics every organization should look for in every candidate, regardless of role or industry. Organizations focused on hiring individuals with these traits will gain a significant competitive advantage.

Character

The most important trait a candidate must possess is character. Specifically, an organization should carefully evaluate whether a candidate is honest, trustworthy, and has integrity.

Pick partners with high intelligence, energy, and above all, high integrity.”
Naval Ravikant

One way an organization can begin to assess a candidate’s character is by asking them:

  • Have you ever been in a negotiation where you had all the leverage? What did you do?
  • Is there a time you failed to do something important you had promised to do?
  • Could you describe a time you succeeded? What was the…

--

--