Your hiring process for that new position is coming to a close, and your candidate pool has been narrowed down to two excellent potential new hires. Each of these candidates brings something unique to the table; however, they each stand out to you for very different reasons: one candidate is a picture-perfect skills match, but lacking in the first impressions department, while the other candidate does not quite have the exact skill set you’re hoping for, but has made a glowing first impression on you. How can you compare apples to oranges, and more importantly, which trait will prove more valuable to your company?

• Are the skills imperative? Are the skills you’re looking for absolutely required, or are they an added plus? Also consider if these skills can be learned through doing the job, or if they’re needed to perform essential job duties on day one. Many skills can be acquired, but personality cannot.
• Will the candidates work well with others? Just because a candidate did not leave you with the best first impression does not mean they’ll leave others with a bad taste in their mouths – or does it? You need to take into consideration how each potential employee will participate as a team player. One bad apple can ruin the bunch, and in this case, can result in workplace conflict or inefficiency.
• Are the candidates competent and capable? Sometimes, education and experiences can make up for a lack of on-the-job skills, but not always. Examine each employee to determine if either one has the potential to deliver on outside-of-the-box tasks that may require more effort and creativity. This will also paint an accurate picture of the candidate’s growth potential and willingness to take on more responsibility.
• What are the levels of commitment? Is there a reason why the candidate without a skills match is applying for the position anyway? Try to determine if the candidate is serious about working for the long term, or if they are merely passing through. A history of past jobs and time spent at each can provide clear insight on the matter for both candidates.

Although neither skills nor personality are everything alone, they are each vital assets to a company’s employees, and lacking one or the other can prove problematic. However, following the above guidelines to weigh the pros and cons of each candidate’s talents will help make your decision that much easier. If you are looking for assistance finding the right job candidates, contact the hiring experts at Staffers today!