Values-Based Hiring

Understanding what a candidate values and how they display those same values in their work is important in discerning true cultural fit. The same can be said for the hiring company.

Every firm wants the best on their team. Every candidate wants to work for the best company. How you define that is the key. 

When creating a candidate profile and job expectations, oftentimes not enough thought goes into this specific question:

What values or behaviors are most important to you? 

Follow up question: How do you currently display them? 

This is a question I often ask to both clients and candidates to get a feel for how they will fit each other. 

It’s not meant to be a “gotcha” question, but sometimes it comes off that way. But, if we can’t hold ourselves to the same qualities, values, and behaviors that we want from our employees/employers, do we really need to continue this discussion? 

The best can answer these questions easily. Who they are is embodied in what they do. 

It’s second nature for the best out there, and, from what I’ve been told by clients and candidates alike, a relief to hear that a recruiter cares enough to ask these questions. 

One of my values as a recruiter is being servant-hearted. This comes my from Christian faith and in my recruiting work, it is displayed in my sincerely wanting to serve the clients and candidates I have the opportunity to work with. It’s my endeavor to serve them the way I’d want to be served in their position. Whether it’s following up, giving closure and feedback, being persistent, creative, and committed in my efforts, or being honest and gracious in the face of challenges or disagreements, I expect the same from anyone else who would work with or for me. 

So, whether you are job searching or hiring, consider these questions:

What values or behaviors are most important to you? 

And how do you currently display them?