Back to Blog5 Signs You’ve Identified a Top Candidate
All companies want to find that star candidate – the person who is perfect for the job. But identifying that top candidate is more challenging than most realize. For any given job ad, you could receive dozens or hundreds of applications. After sorting through those resumes, it can be difficult to separate the contenders from the pretenders. You’ll have some candidates who are an obvious ‘no,’ and you’ll have some you are on the fence about.
Then you have the candidates you want to interview. Some you want to learn more about, some meet all the qualifications, and perhaps others seem to be too good to be true. How do you know if a candidate should be at the top of the list from reading their resume and speaking with them?
According to Toronto recruiters, here are the signs that you’ve identified a top candidate:
1. They Followed All the Application Instructions
It’s common for candidates to submit incomplete applications or to fail to complete every step. Applications are not just about following instructions. They prove that the candidate can pay attention to detail and is serious about the job. If a candidate cannot follow directions or take the time to complete all requirements, it may be a reflection on how they operate in the workplace.
2. They Ask You Great Questions
Top candidates ask great questions. They’ve researched the position and have a curiosity about the role, company culture, and what the company is actually like to work for compared to what they have read or heard. The questions they ask can tell you a lot about them.
3. They Take a Team First Approach
A collaborative work environment has never been more encouraged and common. Top candidates take a team-first approach. Top candidates are open and happy to work collaboratively with their peers and contribute to the greater goals and objectives of the organization.
4. They Embrace Change
Nothing stays the same for too long anymore. Your organization needs talent that is highly adaptive to change in the workplace. Top candidates can provide you with examples of how they were able to adapt to change quickly and grow professionally as a result.
5. They Are Actively Looking to Grow
Top candidates have a desire to grow professionally. They not only want to evolve into new roles over time, but they also have a desire to learn, add new skills, and become a more experienced expert in their field.
More Advice From Toronto Recruiters
4 Reasons Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in a Candidate
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Interviewing Candidates
4 Must Use Texting Tips for Hiring Managers
IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Executive Search / Board & C-Suite, Technology, Media, Digital & Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Cannabis, Startup, Data Science, Consumer, eCommerce & Retail, Operations & HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Engineering, Legal & Professional Services, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Non-Profit & Sustainability, and Sales. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.
Dave Speiran
Dave leads IQ PARTNERS’ Legal practice, where he focuses on providing specialized recruitment solutions to top law firms across the GTA and Canada. Dave has been recruiting in the staffing industry for almost 20 years with a proven record of providing the right candidates for permanent and contract roles. His focus on building strong relationships allows clients to trust in his understanding of their organization and their staffing needs.
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