How Great Leaders Evaluate Candidates During the Hiring Process
Hiring the right person is one of the most important decisions a leader can make. A great hire can elevate a team’s performance, culture, and results — while a poor one can create friction, stall momentum, and drain time and energy. But how exactly do effective leaders separate the "must-hire" from the "maybe"? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how great leaders evaluate individuals during the hiring process. 1. Skills Are the Starting Point, Not the Whole Picture Yes, leaders care about what you can do — your experience, technical, functional knowledge, and industry-specific know-how. But they don’t stop there. They ask: • Does this person have the right kind of experience for this role? • Have they shown growth and adaptability over time? • Are they a learner, or do they rely solely on past wins? Leaders want people who not only fit the job description but can evolve with it. 2. Culture Fit Isn’t a Buzzword — It’s a Strategy One of the most overlooked but ...