The short answer: Of course not. Reliability makes a good employee – and should be an essential attribute of anyone who works for you. As an interviewer, you need to assess a candidate’s reliability in the interview before making any hiring decisions.

  • One of the most essential qualities. Reliability is crucial; it may even trump experience. The most skilled employee can drag down others if he or she can’t be depended upon. Consistently showing up on time is an important aspect of reliability. It demonstrates respect for others and respect for self. An employee who can be depended on to deliver as needed shows that the job and its responsibilities are taken seriously. This also lends a great sense of confidence to colleagues. When coworkers don’t have to worry about whether or not things will get done, that kind of dependability strengthens relationships with fellow employees… and clients.
  • Ask some specific questions. Choose from among these queries to appraise your candidate’s reliability:
    • Why do you want this job? This may seem like a lightweight question, but the answers may surprise you. If the candidate focuses solely on salary, that may not bode well for certain positions. If the candidate speaks earnestly about what they can do for the company and how they can learn and grow, you’ve probably got someone you can count on.
    • Tell me about a time when something personal took you away from work and how you handled it. This answer can speak volumes as to a candidate’s priorities — and bear in mind, it’s a well-balanced individual who can focus on family and also find a way to focus on work. Listen carefully to the details of how the person dealt with his absence from work and projects he was responsible for.
    • Where do you see yourself in a year? Five years? This answer reflects the candidate’s personal goals and can signal whether this aligns with the company or not. The candidate who sees herself somewhere completely different down the road may want to use this job as a stepping stone and can’t necessarily be counted on for longevity.
    • Tell me about your ideal work environment. Look for a candidate whose answer matches up with your company’s work environment. Cultural fit can contribute to significant outcomes. An employee who feels happy and comfortable in the work environment can often be relied upon to stay motivated and perform consistently.

 

As you interview, look carefully for someone whom you can rely on to come in and enthusiastically get down to business each day. A company with a strong team of dependable employees will succeed where others do not. Reach out to the staffing experts at Medical Professionals today to improve your hiring process.


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