The recent economic downturn has flooded the market with job candidates of all skills, backgrounds, and abilities. Some are merely working to live, while others harbor intense passions for what they do.
While companies can hire “just anyone,” those that pass up the “good enough” candidate in favor of the truly passionate one gain a competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate. Passionate candidates love what they do – and because they love it, they go the extra mile. They’re self-motivated when finishing projects, when learning new skills, and when encouraging co-workers to strive to top their own personal bests.
How can you sort the truly passionate candidate from the merely enthusiastic ones? Consider the following tips:
- Dig into the candidate’s job history. What positions has the candidate held in the past? Where did the candidate excel, and for which achievements was the candidate rewarded? When did the candidate get promoted, and why? Encouraging candidates to talk about the most personally and professionally rewarding moments in their careers can shed light on the situations in which the candidate thrives – and thus those he or she is most likely to be passionate about.
- Ask when the candidate took a risk. Risk-taking requires confidence and courage, two qualities that passionate employees tend to have in abundance. During the interview, ask about the candidate’s risk-taking in the past and how those risks turned out. If the candidate has relatively little job experience, ask about risks taken outside of work. People who are passionate about their hobbies or volunteer work will often be able to describe their focus and projects in these areas – and give hiring managers valuable insight into how they tackle challenges and why.
- Explore personal development. Employees who are passionate about their work don’t leave it in the office at the end of the day. They willingly pursue their areas of interest by taking classes, reading books, or participating in online or real-life communities with people who share their passions. They may even have published one or more articles on their work – a clear sign that they are willing to go the extra mile for the love of the job.
At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our experienced recruiters can help you find employees with a passion for what they do. Contact us today to learn more!
