Talent Acquisition Strategies: Key Traits to Look for When Hiring

Actionable Tips for Identifying Top Talent

Hiring and retaining top employees is a critical responsibility for human resource (HR) professionals. Organizations invest significant time and resources in recruitment, making it essential to identify candidates with the right skills and long-term potential. 

With an MS in Human Resources Management, HR professionals learn to refine their hiring strategies and implement best practices to reduce turnover and enhance employee satisfaction. Keep reading for some tips for strengthening your talent acquisition strategies. 

Nine Good Qualities for a Job Applicant and How to Identify Them

Hiring the right employees is a crucial step in building a productive, innovative, and engaged workforce. Beyond technical skills and industry experience, HR professionals should focus on identifying key traits that signal a candidate’s potential for long-term success. 

Here are some valuable traits to look for, along with actionable ways to assess them during the hiring process. 

1. Long-Term Potential

High employee turnover can be costly, leading to lost productivity and increased hiring expenses. Employees who view their role as a stepping stone within the company rather than just a paycheck are more likely to stay engaged and contribute to the organization’s growth. A candidate with a steady employment history, a track record of internal promotions, or investments in professional development (such as certifications or advanced degrees) demonstrates a commitment to career longevity. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “What attracted you to this role in particular?” 

• Look for: Consistent career progression, continued learning, and an expressed interest in growing within the company. 

• Red flags: Frequent job-hopping without a clear reason or lack of professional development. 

2. Ability to Deliver Results

Past experience is important, but what really sets top candidates apart is their ability to drive measurable outcomes. Employees who take ownership of their work and focus on achieving results help companies meet business objectives and improve efficiency. Look for individuals who can clearly articulate their contributions in previous roles and provide quantifiable evidence of success. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “Can you share an example of a project where you exceeded expectations?” and “How do you measure success in your work?” 

• Look for: Data-driven achievements (e.g., increased sales, cost savings, improved processes) and references that emphasize impact. 

• Red flags: Vague responses or an inability to cite specific accomplishments. 

3. Passion and Enthusiasm

Passionate employees bring energy and dedication to their roles, making them more likely to stay engaged, contribute innovative ideas, and enhance company culture. Enthusiasm can be particularly valuable in customer-facing roles and fast-paced environments. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “What excites you most about this industry?” and “Tell me about a project you were particularly passionate about.” 

• Look for: Candidates who speak animatedly about their work and provide detailed examples of times they went above and beyond. 

• Red flags: Lack of excitement or generic, uninspired responses. 

4. Practical Skill Application

Having the right skills on paper is one thing, but having the ability to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios is another. Many employers now incorporate skills-based assessments to ensure candidates can perform under pressure and think critically. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “How would you approach [specific job-related challenge]?” 

• Look for: Strong problem-solving skills and logical reasoning in responses. 

• Red flags: Hesitation, inability to think through a challenge, or overly theoretical answers with no real-world application. 

5. Cultural Fit

A candidate might be highly skilled, but if they don’t align with the company’s mission, values, or working style, they may struggle to integrate. Employees who fit the company culture tend to be more engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles. 

Tips for identifying it 

• Ask: “What kind of work environment helps you thrive?” and “What are the key factors that make you feel engaged at work?” 

• Look for: Alignment between their answers and your company’s core values. 

• Red flags: Responses that indicate a vastly different work style or misalignment with company culture. 

6. Strong Teamwork Abilities

Collaboration is essential in most modern workplaces. Employees who can effectively communicate, resolve conflicts, and work toward a shared goal help create a positive and productive environment. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.” 

• Look for: Candidates who highlight listening skills, problem-solving, and compromise. 

• Red flags: Blaming others for conflicts or an inability to describe a successful team experience. 

7. Ambition and Initiative

Proactive employees don’t just meet expectations – they exceed them. They look for ways to improve processes, take on new challenges, and contribute fresh ideas. Ambitious employees also tend to seek professional growth, making them valuable long-term assets to an organization. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “Tell me about a time you took on a challenge outside your job description.” 

• Look for: Examples of initiative, such as spearheading a new project or suggesting an improvement. 

• Red flags: A passive attitude or reluctance to go beyond basic job responsibilities. 

8. Integrity and Accountability

Honesty, ethical behavior, and a strong sense of responsibility are crucial in any workplace. Employees who own their mistakes, give credit where it’s due, and act with integrity foster trust within teams and with clients. 

Tips for identifying it: 

• Ask: “Can you tell me about a time you made a mistake at work and how you handled it?” 

• Look for: Candidates who acknowledge their errors and demonstrate a proactive approach to resolving them. 

• Red flags: Avoiding responsibility or blaming others for past failures. 

9. Responsiveness and Professionalism

How a candidate communicates during the hiring process is often a strong indicator of how they’ll interact with colleagues and clients. Professionalism, active listening, and timely responses signal respect, reliability, and strong interpersonal skills. 

Tips for Identifying It 

• Look for: Prompt follow-ups, well-written emails, and professional demeanor during interviews. 

• Red flags: Late responses, unprofessional communication, or poor listening skills during discussions. 

Advancing Your HR Expertise

Identifying and hiring top talent requires a strategic approach, deep industry knowledge, and strong leadership skills. The Master of Science in Human Resources Management program at The University of Scranton equips HR professionals with the expertise needed to navigate today’s complex workforce landscape. 

This SHRM-aligned, flexible online program covers essential HR functions, including talent acquisition, workforce planning, compensation strategies, employee relations, and organizational development. Industry-aligned courses are designed to enhance your analytical, ethical, and leadership capabilities, helping you make data-driven hiring decisions that align with your company’s goals. 

Through real-world case studies, expert-led instruction, and a curriculum grounded in HR best practices, Scranton graduates gain the tools to build strong, inclusive workplace cultures and drive long-term organizational success. Whether you're an experienced HR professional looking to advance or transitioning into the field, this program provides the knowledge and credentials to excel in a variety of HR careers.

Take Your HR Strategy to the Next Level

Hiring the right talent takes strategy, skill, and ongoing learning. The Master of Science in Human Resources Management at The University of Scranton equips HR leaders with the expertise to build high-performing teams. 

Advance your career and refine your hiring approach. Learn more about the program today!