No matter what industry you’re in, some job candidates simply won’t have the most important traits that they need to succeed. If you’re a hiring manager, it’s up to you to figure out if each candidate has what it takes. This doesn’t just apply to their technical skills, but their soft skills as well. They will need these to be successful in a more long-term setting. Here are some of the most important traits to look for in new employees.

Proactive

Accomplishments are very important to any interview, but it’s important to differentiate between actual achievements and things that have just happened to them. You want to hear about the times when the candidate took charge on their own, came up with their own idea, or led when no one else would. Having this trait ensures that you won’t have to micromanage everything they do.

Communication

All the skills in the world won’t make up for someone that can’t communicate well. This should be one of the first things you notice in an interview. If they are applying for a technical position, can they answer your questions succinctly? Do they shy away from things they do not know about? Every company is a team, and teams work best when their members can communicate effectively.

Resilience

There are a few questions you can ask to find out how resilient a potential candidate is:

• When was the last time you failed?
• Can you tell me about a difficult team member you had to work with?
• What do you believe is your biggest weakness?
• Was there a time when you overcame a large roadblock?

These are classic interview questions because they give employers insight into how the candidate will react when faced with challenges. Challenging things will happen to your new employee, no matter who they are, so it’s best to have someone that can take them in stride.

Motivation

An important trait to look for in any new hire, motivation must come from within. At a certain level, candidates shouldn’t be motivated by how much money you’ll pay them or what benefits they’ll get. Make sure that the person you hire is in it for the right reasons. Look for times when they are enthusiastic about what you’re saying or about the work they’ll do.

Ambition

Your potential new employee should have plans for their future. They should also know the pathway to get to where they want to be. Ambition is important because, without it, there is no reason for them to work hard. By showing them the path forward, you allow them to become the best version of themselves so they can keep going through the hard times.

Source: Christina Duron is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things digital. She has focused her career around digital marketing and writes to explore topics that spark her interest.