We now live in a world where many of us no longer need to be in a specific location to work in our desired role. Nowadays, you can be a Senior Auditor based in South Africa but working for a UK Company. While this has opened up potential talent pools, it can be a little daunting to future employers as they tackle this new way of hiring. So, as an employer, what are universal requirements you can look at when hiring globally?
With a global talent pool at your fingertips, one would have to start thinking strategically to get the best talent. The question we need to ask is – what does it take for a candidate to stand out on a global stage?
In our business, we interact with thousands of individuals, but there will always be specific individuals who stand out above the rest during our engagement process.
These individuals are masters of their craft. They are comfortable in their own space and industry. They own their role, no matter the skill requirements, and envisage where their career will go; most importantly, they want to assist in the growth of the business they belong to.
Here are five truths that these stand-out candidates all share.
1. Innovative, creative, and forever learning
Once you have an individual who has found their passion through their job, it is much easier for them to understand their industry. They will naturally learn more about their role and expose themselves to learning and finding innovative ways of doing things. They do not perform tasks for the sake of getting them done but have a sense of pride in giving their input to the task at hand. All this combined would benefit the business.
2. Solid expertise in their craft
A global candidate is confident in the work that they put out. Their expertise not only comes from experiencing the day-to-day of their work but also from actively deciding to equip themselves with qualifications in order to stay abreast of industry trends. There are many ways to measure expertise. While others might have qualifications to prove their worth, these candidates can prove their prowess through experience. In life, experience often outweighs books as a teaching tool.
3. Communicate brilliantly
One of the most important aspects is being able to articulate what they mean effectively and efficiently. When working with a global community, there are different languages and accents; therefore, clear communication will be needed. Other candidates go as far as learning a new language. Languages like Mandarin and French can aid in integrating into a global company.
4. Cultural intelligence CQ
A candidate who is able to integrate themselves in a culturally diverse company effectively and easily will stand out. With many cultures being involved, there needs to be a careful balance for employees to feel that they can be their authentic selves and have a sense of belonging while being culturally sensitive and open to different cultures and viewpoints when conflict may arise. Adaptability as a skill will be of utmost importance.
5. Flexible and solutions-driven
In whatever environment you are in, there can never be smooth sailing all year round. Candidates need to be able to be flexible in their thinking when approaching obstacles and seeing the possibilities that could be in a situation. Global candidates can easily navigate themselves in stormy weather and learn from their experiences.
Having individuals who encompass all these truths makes an ideal global candidate.
A company transitioning its hiring process and broadening its recruitment should pay attention to these qualities because it would mean that the talent they onboard will undoubtedly contribute to its strategic growth. No matter where they are based, the business will continue moving forward.
