What Do Innovative Companies Look For When Hiring?
Amazon. Google. Facebook. These names are among the forerunners of a slew of innovation-centric companies that have become staples in today’s society. Many people would love to be part of these game-changers that are transforming the global landscape, but what do these companies really look for in their potential employees? How do they separate the average worker from the best and brightest? While every industry has its own unique needs, some employee characteristics are universally valued.
1. Team-oriented: Making the most out of collaboration
According to a Queens University survey, nearly three-fourths of employers rated teamwork and collaboration among employees as “very important”. Team efforts are associated with many advantages at a workplace: work gets done faster, relations among employees improve, and members of the team learn from each other’s feedback and contributions to the team. Many companies succeed based on the work of teams and entire departments, not just individuals. It is essential for employees to be able to cooperate with co-workers, take their share of responsibility and put forward ideas together in a confident, rather than passive or aggressive manner.
2. Time management: Productivity in check
Superstars in the workplace have a reputation for efficiency and high productivity owing to good time-management skills. They achieve impressive results with their ability to set priorities and goals, measure outcomes and assess inputs and outputs. Their mind is also always on the lookout for new and better ways of getting the job done. Innovative companies want employees that can cope with the conflicting demands on their time, make the most of their hours at work and prioritize certain tasks. After all, poor time management skills can result in missed deadlines, dissatisfied clients, and increased overtime costs.
3. Innovation-driven leadership: High capacity for creativity
Many people think that creativity only lies within the paintbrush of an artist or in the sculpture of an architect, but creativity extends beyond the arts. In reality, creativity is the driving force behind most businesses’ success. Creative thinking leads to the implementation of innovative ideas in the workplace. Being creative in the workplace is so much more than making the prettiest spreadsheet or the most colorful PowerPoint presentation; creative business ideas set companies apart from one another. It is crucial for businesses today, especially when the market is dependent on innovative, break-through technology that necessitates employees to think out of the box and own the vision and imagination to foresee new opportunities. The collaboration of creative minds has the ability to push creative business ideas into reality.
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City International School recognizes that learning from books and getting good grades aren’t enough to make students fully connected and global-ready for their future. Students deserve to be in a space that is focused on developing the concrete skills they will need to succeed and lead in a rapidly changing world. The school focuses on empowering students with a rigorous academic program featuring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) education as well as its weCreate® and ScholarShift® programs. ScholarShift® aims to prepare students for self-directed learning as well as arming them with 21st Century skills for college and beyond, while weCreate® stresses on creativity, collaboration, and innovation; together they provide a global education that enables students to be competitive for careers in dynamic and diverse cities all around the world.
