While deciding which candidates are right for the position, employers usually rely on the candidate’s experience, portfolio, recommendations, and of course, their enthusiasm and passion for their field. However, employers may not consider a key characteristic needed for almost any career: creativity. Although evaluating emotional intelligence is becoming a new trend in the hiring process, a study by IBM’s Institute for Business Value identified that “…more than rigor, management discipline, integrity or even vision — successfully navigating an increasing complex world will require creativity.”
Creative individuals are worth having as part of your workforce. Imagine Apple without its creative CEO Steve Jobs leading the way for his company and industry as a whole.
Listed below are traits of creative individuals that are essential for any type of field, according Jocelyn K. Glei of The 99 Percent. Consider these three creative traits and how to identify them in your potential employees:
Problem-solving. Offer a hypothetical question that does not require a concrete right or wrong answer. It will provide you with a sense of how a candidate proceeds with a problem and if they are keen on finding an effective solution.
Curiosity. Pay attention to any unprompted questions a candidate may ask. Also be aware of how much they researched the company and brought up any discussion about the company’s services, competition, or even about the industry itself. Individuals who are genuinely curious are often eager to learn more and will take initiative to pursue or contribute to new projects.
Risk-Taking. Ask if the candidate ever held a controversial point of view and had to defend it, whether professionally or in academia. Moreover, those who manage to take risks and try to see or do something new are more likely to break a cycle of stagnant or ineffective processes they see at work.
Screening for creativity is beneficial before you make a hiring decision. You will be able to identify the individual thought processes of each candidate and know their approaches whether it is solving a problem, managing a crisis, or willingness to take risks.
What are some other creative qualities that employers should identify in candidates? How can they be identified during the hiring process?
