10 Things Great Talent Always Does
Recruiting top performers for your company can multiply its success.
By Heather R. Huhman •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Finding amazing talent is a tricky process. Making talent recruitment a top priority can multiply the success of an organization.
To recognize great talent, hiring managers can look for the following signs instead of paying attention only to resumes and cover letters.
Here are 10 things people possessing great talent always do:
Related: Could GE's Winning 4-Point People Strategy Work for Your Venture?
1. They talk about their long-term goals.
Talented candidates aren't afraid of their future. In fact, they're excited about their career and what's in store.
Ask candidates about their long-term goals during a job interview. Those with great talent will talk about their prospective future with the company and what they plan to accomplish if hired.
2. They're resourceful and prepared for anything.
Great talent is prepared for any situation. The ability to think and act on the spot is a quality few people have.
People with top-notch talent know their resume inside and out, have their portfolio ready and can answer interview questions without stumbling over their thoughts.
Related: The 3 Attributes to Look for in Top Talent
3. They display confidence in any situation.
There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance when identifying top talent. Confident individuals, however, can handle any situation and accept the reality that it's OK to be wrong.
During the interview, ask candidates about their weaknesses. Look for a candidate who can confidently speak about weaknesses and explain the lessons they have learned.
4. They market their versatility.
Individuals who are truly talented possess a wide range of skills and can transfer them to different roles and succeed.
Ask candidates about a time when they had to try something new or apply their skills in an unusual situation. A good candidate will be able to share an experience or two.
Related: 3 Keys to Unlocking Employee Talent
5. They prioritize results.
Talented people care about results. They have a burning passion to accomplish their goals, both in their personal life or career.
Those who possess top talent will talk about what they want to accomplish once hired without the interviewer having to ask.
6. They ask smart questions.
Bright individuals are curious people. Because of this, they'll ask questions to learn more about an organization and how it functions.
During the interview, a talented candidate will ask questions about what he or she is expected to accomplish if hired. They will inquire about the attributes of the top performers at the company and about what it takes to drive results.
Related: Want to Hire the Best Talent? Be Like Elon Musk and Set a Strong Vision.
7. They're extremely flexible.
Many organizations continuously update their goals and implement new strategies. Top talent can adjust to such changes without becoming derailed from success.
Ask candidates about a time when they had to quickly adapt to a new situation and what happened.
8. They're comfortable with taking risks.
Risk taking is involved at any business. Talented people aren't afraid of pushing the envelope to discover new ideas.
Ask candidates about a time where they had to take a risk. Their response should provide enough insight about whether they can take big enough risks.
9. They bring passion to the position and organization.
This might seem like a cliché, but passion is a quality that sets apart those with great talent from lackluster candidates.
When a talented person is passionate about what he or she does, that individual is not afraid to tell a prospective employer. In fact, when someone is truly passionate, a hiring manager can see it in the individual's personality and previous experience.
10. They communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
Strong communicators have the ability to take organizations to the next level.
When speaking to candidates over the phone or in person or exchanging emails, pay close attention to how they communicate. This gives employers a better indication of their communication skills.
What are some other ways to recognize great talent?
Related: How to Spend Zero on Recruiting and Still Hire the Best Candidates
