What to Look for in a Great Candidate
(and How to Spot It Early)
When you’re running a small or medium-sized business, hiring isn’t just about filling a role, it’s about protecting your time, your culture and your clients.
You want someone who gets the job done well, fits into the team, and represents your business the way you would. But, we know finding that person can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack; especially when résumés all start to look the same!
So, what actually makes a great candidate? And how can you spot it early in the process?
Look beyond the résumé
Technical skills are important … but they can be taught.
Attitude, however, can’t.
Look for signs of reliability, initiative and a willingness to learn. If someone can communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and show genuine enthusiasm for the role, you’re already halfway there. A great example of this is candidates who display coachable qualities such as long term commitment in a team sport.
Focus on cultural fit
The right hire should enhance your team, not disrupt it.
Ask questions like:
How do they approach teamwork and feedback?
What type of environment do they thrive in?
How do they handle pressure or change?
These insights reveal whether someone will blend into your workplace culture or clash with it.
Spot consistency between what they say and do
During interviews, pay attention to the small things.
Did they arrive on time? Follow up afterward? Seem genuinely engaged when you talked about your business? How did they present themselves? Did they do research on the role and business they are applying to?
These cues often say more than a polished CV ever could.
Trust your instincts, but support them with structure
Your gut feeling matters. It’s even more powerful when paired with a clear hiring process.
Use structured interview questions, trial periods, or reference checks to confirm your impressions.
If you’re struggling to find “the one” … consider getting help
Hiring takes time, patience, and people skills; which can be hard to balance when you’re running everything else!
That’s where a recruiter can step in. Filtering candidates so you only meet the ones who actually fit your business. While for many businesses, investing in a recruiter is a significant step and can seem like an arduous process, in the long run may prove to be far more cost effective and produce productive results for your business.
If you’re currently hiring and not finding the right people, it might be time to try a new approach.
Read more on our Resource Hub with free resources for Employers who are doing it themselves.
Freedom Recruitment Agency offers FREE 15 minute phone calls to Australian businesses. Ask questions about your own recruitment process and hiring needs … no strings attached! Click here to book your call.
