Expectations when hiring

When hiring new staff, employers should have a clear idea about what to expect from potential employees. Employees also need to consider their own needs and requirements.

Usually employers make decisions based on how they feel the new employee will be able to increase productivity in the business thus increasing overall profit. Employees, however, make decisions based on job responsibility, work conditions, salary and management style.

 

What Employers Expect

Employers are generally looking for certain basic characteristics in an employee. They want someone who will fit into the culture of the business, who is dependable, presentable and who has the skills and experience to contribute effectively to their business. When hiring a new staff member, employers need to consider whether the candidate has the following attributes:

 

• Skills – Do they have the relevant experience and ability to perform the required work tasks AND more importantly do they have the potential to learn new skills?

• Personal Appearance – Do they dress well, have good grooming, hygiene and personal manner?

• Dependability – Do they attend work regularly, are they punctual (including arriving to work on time and returning from lunch/breaks on time)? Do they complete duties or tasks to deadline, accept responsibility and follow the company’s rules and guidelines?

 

Other expectations that employers should consider include whether the employee has:

 

• A Positive attitude

• A Strong work ethic

• High integrity and honesty

• The Ability to work within a team and independently when required

• The Ability to demonstrate initiative

• The Ability to communicate and provide input when required

• The Ability to ask questions when in doubt

• The Ability to admit to mistakes

• Networking skills

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and privacy

• Commitment to maintaining agreed standards of performance

• Commitment to complying with health and safety policies and procedures

 

Although priorities may differ from one employer to another, it is important to have a set list of expectations which can then assist you both in the selection of new staff as well as the ongoing assessment of current employees.

 

What Employees Expect

Just as employers have set ideas about their staff, employees will have certain expectations of their employers. Typically, employees consider the following issues:

 

• Responsibilities – Is there a clear agreement on working duties and responsibilities?

• Support – Is there ongoing training and education, are the necessary resource materials/supplies provided, is there any technical support (including computers and equipment repairs)?

• Communication – Is the employer available to listen to concerns, can they provide guidance as needed, is there good communication between departments and is there the opportunity to provide any say or input in company decisions and directions?

• Treatment of Staff – Are employees treated with respect and consideration?

• Salary – Are the rates of pay in line with the current market and fair according to experience, work responsibilities and performance?

• Career Opportunities – Are there any opportunities or planning for career development and progression?

 

Other things employees can expect from their employer include:

• Unbiased and open recruitment procedures

• Regular and appropriate feedback about performance

• Availability of flexible work schedules

• Good working conditions free from harassment or discrimination

• Equal employment opportunities

• A commitment to complying with health and safety policies and procedures?

 

So, whether you are an employee or an employer, by having a clear understanding of what your expectations are and being able to communicate these effectively to the other party, you will help contribute to a happy, productive and efficient workplace. Not to mention the ongoing retention of the team and a profitable outcome for all!