You won’t love every single job applicant you interview, that’s a given. But how do you, as a hiring manager or HR director, know when an applicant’s personality is right for the job, not just for you? Evaluating a candidate’s personality throughout the hiring process is easier if you know what personality traits are necessary – or unwanted – for both the position and your company culture.

Personality For the Job…

We all have preconceived notions about personality types that are perfect for certain jobs – the extrovert as a talk show host, or the introvert as a librarian. Often, these traits actually have little to do with an applicant’s ability, or what’s really necessary for the job. The trick is asking behavioral interview questions that require the applicant to respond to a scenario that might be difficult, given their personality. Ask an obvious introvert, for instance, how they would manage employees who spend too much time chatting, or ask the extrovert how he would handle a night shift where they are often alone for extended stretches.

…and Personality For the Workplace

It can be more difficult to match a candidate’s personality with your workplace than with the actual job, so be honest with yourself about the quirks and perks that make your company culture unique. Be brutally honest – the more upfront you are with a candidate about your company culture, the more you can gauge their comfort level with working beside people who routinely sing the birthday song to each other, or the workplace where you routinely go days without a chance to speak to a co-worker.

Look at the Big Picture

Sure, you use a candidate’s application and resume to judge them fit to interview, but look at the whole application process to get the best picture of a candidate. How neat and timely were the application materials? How was the candidate’s presentation in phone calls or emails prior to the interview? Does the candidate look great on paper, but seem vague when questioned about details? Make notes about what strikes you during the process, and always go with your gut.

Feel like you need an extra set of eyes and hands to help during the application process? Let Staffing Partners take some of the load off! We’re ready to help you narrow the field to only the best applicants in your industry. Contact us today!