Dive Brief:
- While many employers think they simply need to seek out applicants who seem excited about the job and interested in the company, Gallup research revealed that high-quality candidates respond to interview questions in a specific way and are attracted to companies for different reasons.
- High-quality candidates tend to seek out companies that allow them to do work they believe in, make a difference, be challenged and allow learning and growth, the research said.
- Gallup noted that many predictors of performance are specific to the role, meaning the good qualities for a strong worker in the trenches may not be the same for a strong manager.
Dive Insight:
Seeking out high-quality candidates is certainly worth the time for employers. Other Gallup research suggests that companies that choose the top 20% of applicants often see a "10% increase in productivity, a 20% increase in sales, a 30% increase in profitability, a 10% decrease in turnover and a 25% decrease in unscheduled absences."
The new research notes what employers should listen for during candidate interviews. In particular, seek out candidates who seem interested in the company because its values and goals align with their own; who openly describe what they value in a job, especially helping others and "tackling role demands;" who are selective with their applications; and who actively seek out opportunites for learning, growth and service.
Not a bad time to consider this new info, as workers are more likely to be looking to leave their old companies this year.
