Being able to use one’s own judgment to solve problems and make decisions is critical in the IT field. Having to take the time to explain every detail of situations as they occur isn’t ideal in a fast-paced environment, and can cripple other team members who are working on joint projects. So, how do you figure out which candidates are self-starters and which aren’t? By using some of the tips listed here.
Side Projects
If an IT candidate has side projects related to the field, they are likely to be self-motivated. Taking on a large task on your personal time indicates a genuine interest in the field as well as the ability to manage one’s time. Additionally, they likely have strong problem-solving skills and are open to learning new techniques to keep a project moving without specific direction.
In these cases, it is important to dig into the details a bit during the interview. That way you can learn more about the nature of the side project, any challenges that occurred and how they worked through difficult aspects of the task.
Project Management
Project management experience doesn’t have to be large-scale to indicate an individual is a self-starter. Even taking on a small project can be an indication the person has the ability to keep themselves motivated and moving forward. Typically, an employee is only chosen to manage a project if they have the ability to take it on without an excessive amount of direction or oversight.
In fact, candidates who were tasked with managing a project from beginning to end without the assistance from other employees (including co-workers) may be particularly well-adept at managing their own motivation. In these cases, they aren’t even influenced by other team members in regards to staying on task. And that means working independently could be a strength of theirs.
Just be sure to discuss the details of the project, and definitely request information about the candidate’s success from an applicable reference. That way you can confirm whether things were squarely on the applicant’s shoulders and how they managed the work.
Preferred Management Style
If the information on the resume isn’t particularly clear, then you need to ask the right questions to get to the details you need. One method includes asking them to describe their ideal manager or the management style that best suits their needs. Self-starters will often include details like the ability to work independently, preferring not to be micromanaged, or enjoying an environment focused on employee empowerment.
You can follow up by requesting they provide examples of times they had to work on their own to solve a problem, or how they manage duties that involve things with which they aren’t already familiar. Understanding how the candidate manages problems or questions that arise can help you see if they are generally self-motivated to find solutions on their own or if they automatically turn to a manager for direction.
By using the tips above, you are more likely to find the talented self-starter your team needs to thrive. If you are looking to add a new tech employee, The Squires Group has the industry knowledge needed to help you find the self-motivated individual you need. Contact us to discuss your hiring needs today.
