When trying to hire a team with diverse backgrounds and skills, business leaders can be left wondering how to find candidates who are different enough from each other to ensure varied points of view and experience levels but also similar enough to each other to work well together and create a cohesive team culture.
Luckily, there are some questions leaders can ask themselves to help make the hiring process a little more straightforward. Below, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss seven of those questions and why they are so effective at helping you determine whether or not someone would be a good fit for your team.
1. Is this candidate a self-starter?
The first question you must ask is, “Does this candidate exhibit the traits of a self-starter?” This is because self-starters typically bring a strong sense of ownership, adaptability and proactivity to the table. They are eager to learn, lead and take on new challenges, which can be invaluable in a diverse team setting. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
2. How will they fit into the company culture?
When weighing whether or not to hire someone, business leaders should ask themselves, “How will they fit into the company culture?” They may not adapt well to a people-first business if they don’t seem outgoing or willing to work with others. I suggest preparing some questions so you can gauge how potential hires feel about this subject before you make a final decision. – Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit
3. Are their skills transferable?
If you want to hire a team with diverse backgrounds and skills, ask yourself if their skills are transferable. In other words, can their skills be used in a way that’s different from the primary job offer? If so, they are a safe bet for your team. Hiring people with diverse skills is important because you can shift them around as needed. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
4. Will this candidate bring a unique perspective?
When you are considering hiring someone for your team, ask yourself, “Will this candidate bring a unique perspective, enhancing our team’s problem-solving abilities?” Diverse backgrounds foster innovation and resilience, leading to a stronger, more competitive company. Embrace diversity to unlock your team’s full potential. – Michelle Aran, Velvet Caviar
5. Will this person be able to grow and adapt?
It is important to ask yourself, “Does this person have the potential to grow and adapt?” I value having a team of people who are willing and able to learn new things quickly and who are also comfortable with change and adapting to new circumstances. This is especially important in today’s dynamic business environment since people who are willing to grow will be more innovative and, in turn, help you grow. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
6. Is this candidate aligned with the company’s mission and values?
Ask yourself if the candidate is genuinely aligned with the company’s mission and values, regardless of their background or skill set. Shared values and a passion for the company’s mission can help create a strong team culture, regardless of individual differences. This can help ensure that the new hire is aligned with the company’s goals and is motivated to contribute towards its success. – Adam Preiser, WPCrafter
7. Am I considering all the ways they could contribute?
An advantage of a diverse team is that they can bring new perspectives and skill sets to the table. One of the first things to ask yourself is whether you’re considering all the possible ways someone might contribute to the team. Make sure you’re not limited by preconceptions. For example, someone might have life skills or soft skills that would be a valuable addition to the team. – Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting