For employers, nothing is better than retaining long-term employees; especially employees who start out in entry-level positions and work their way to the top. While these kinds of employees are coveted due to their high return on investment and vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the company, it can sometimes be difficult determining if your new hires have what it takes to evolve with your organization.  When looking for growth potential, try asking your new hires the following questions:

  • Where do you see yourself and our organization in five years? It’s important for your new hires to have an idea of the big picture, including the company’s growth and potential; not just their current responsibilities and roles in the organization. This will also help you determine if your new employee is ready to commit, or if they view the job as a stepping stone to another opportunity.
  • Are you adaptable? Particularly with startups and small businesses, employees will frequently take on several different roles at once. At times, it will be essential for your new hires to be able to adapt to changes in the organization as needed. If your new employee can tolerate change and handle shifts in direction, this will improve their likelihood of being able to stick with the company for the long haul.
  • What do you enjoy learning? This question cuts straight to the heart of the matter. Having this discussion will help you learn whether new employees are willing and eager to learn new things to advance themselves in their career.  Chances are, if they are already spending their free time expanding their skill set, they’ll continue to grow along with the company.
  • What is your dream job? The answers to this question can range anywhere from something you’d only see in movies, to simply having more flexibility in the work-life balance. Asking this question can help you establish how well the employee fits the position as well as allow you to gear part of the work towards the employee’s aspirations.
  • Have you ever freelanced? If your employee has worked as a freelancer, they are most likely a self-starter. Being able to strike out on your own and keep growing can be the best proof your employee has the potential for growth within your company.

When hiring new employees, finding the right ones to grow along with your organization is the best possible investment you can make. These employees are the ones who will truly understand the direction of your company, and keep its best interests as top priority. If you would like additional information on spotting growth potential in new hires, contact Staffers today!

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