7 Transferrable Skills Employers Should Prioritize When Hiring

Today’s job candidates are more qualified and skilled than ever. While this can be a boon to businesses looking to hire top talent, it can also complicate the hiring process, making it difficult to determine which candidates have the necessary expertise and will fit best.

Looking for particular skills in each candidate can be a way to narrow down a pool of great candidates to a select few. Below, 20 Forbes Business Council members share specific hard or soft skills they prioritize when selecting new employees. Read on to learn how they balance technical expertise with cultural fit to ensure a candidate’s alignment with the company’s mission and goals.

1. Adaptability

When selecting new employees, I prioritize adaptability, which is a critical soft skill in today’s dynamic work environment. While technical expertise is essential, I balance it by assessing how well candidates align with our company’s values and culture through behavioral interviews. This ensures they can thrive in their role and contribute meaningfully to our mission while fostering collaboration and innovation. - Ovais Riaz, Evrima Chicago

2. Creative Problem-Solving

In a growing business, creative problem-solving is essential across all functions, as it fuels our ability to evolve and innovate. We prioritize and screen for candidates who can think on their feet and create solutions within broad guidelines. This approach ensures we hire adaptable team members who align with our culture and can contribute to our success long term. - Leeatt Rothschild, Packed with Purpose

3. Commitment And Long-Term Alignment

I prioritize commitment and long-term alignment. In interviews, I ask about long-term goals to see if candidates envision a future with the company. Technical skills are important, but cultural fit drives longevity. We look for professionals who care about where they work, align with the mission and want to grow with us because lasting success comes from shared vision and dedication. - Jacob Kupietzky, HCT Executive Interim Management & Consulting

4. A Growth Mindset

I prioritize a growth mindset when hiring, looking for people eager to learn and adapt. To ensure cultural fit without compromising diversity, I focus on shared values like collaboration and respect, not homogeneity. It’s about aligning with the mission while celebrating diverse perspectives, which drive innovation and enrich our culture. Skills can be taught; mindset and values are foundational. -

5. Curiosity

Hire curious people! Curiosity shows spirit, caring and forward-thinking. People who take an interest will always have thought-provoking ideas to share. Curious people are likeable, easier to work with and typically happier as well.

6. Communication

Communication is a critical skill. It helps collaboration and nurtures positive relationships and team-building. A multifaceted interview process assesses technical and behavioral skills and helps find cultural fit. Situational questions show how candidates have communicated in past roles and their leadership skills. -

7. Resourcefulness And Adaptability

Resourcefulness and adaptability are key; employees who take initiative and adjust to challenges drive progress. However, no matter how skilled someone is, if their mission and goals don't align with the company's, issues and separation are likely. To balance technical expertise with cultural fit, lead by example and maintain open communication, fostering trust and shared purpose.