10 Kinds of People That Get Hired Most

Best types of employees to hire

Job candidates are more than their interview skills and impressive resumes. They exhibit unique personality traits and soft skills that show potential employers they’ll be a good fit for the organization. Consider the following types of employees that can take your business to the next level.

1. The lone ranger

The lone ranger is a valuable type of employee to hire. According to Grant Robinson, founder and CEO of People Values, this personality type is also known as the “autonomous fanatic.” This individual thrives on autonomy and is often self-motivated and eager to accomplish all the goals their employer set out.

“An independent person can be a great asset to a team,” Robinson pointed out. “They do not need to be micromanaged or externally motivated to do the job they were hired to do.”

An autonomous fanatic can work independently while remaining incredibly loyal and committed to the business. In fact, this lone ranger inspires others. Small business owners who hire an autonomous fanatic can free up significant time for themselves, allowing them to pursue bigger-picture tasks that can grow the business quickly. They won’t have to spend as much time motivating their team because their autonomous fanatic will enthusiastically and naturally do it for them. 

2. The team player

Pat Goodwin, executive coach and co-principal of Drapkin Goodwin, finds the team player personality extremely valuable. These individuals consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship by understanding the value of employees working together as a team. They embody the well-known TEAM acronym — “together everyone accomplishes more” — and are particularly crucial to the overall team-building process.

“They are someone who is willing to give credit where credit is due, are excellent listeners and are willing to take direction,” Goodwin explained. “They are willing to lead by example and mentor others.”

3. The mentor

Mentors are invaluable additions to any team. While you can find a mentor personality in employees of all ages and backgrounds, mentors often have several years of work experience under their belt. They are proficient in their field and want to share their knowledge and help team members grow their skill sets and confidence.

Mentors can help with personal growth as well as professional development. This employee personality leads by example and is an incredibly valuable team member because they can help you develop less experienced or proficient workers into prized employees. 

4.The jump-starter

Talley Flora, CEO of Red Seat, says the jump-starter is an excellent type of employee to hire. This person can get started o n tasks and projects quickly without overthinking the process. In contrast, employees who spend excessive time deliberating how to approach a situation lose valuable time that could be better spent accomplishing their goals and assignments.

“That quick start, and a need to get a job done, is one of the most essential components for success in my business and many of the companies I work with,” Flora said.

5. The researcher

Not everyone is good with numbers and analytics, but having a team member who thrives on research can be a godsend. The researcher employee type is excellent at analyzing multiple options and determining which is best. They can take business and employee data and break it down into usable, digestible information for your company’s leaders. They can glean actionable insights from your CRM analytics and sales analytics data that boost your revenue and bottom line.

The researcher is crucial because they can help you determine the success of campaigns and decisions and identify and correct mistakes and inefficiencies that are costing the company dearly.

6. The overcomer

Staffing expert Kelly Smith recommends hiring “overcomers” — people who haven’t had opportunities and successes handed to them on a silver platter. These individuals likely paid their way through college and have never been the beneficiaries of nepotism.

“Most of what they achieved in life was a result of their setting a goal and strategically planning how to achieve that goal,” Smith explained. “They aren’t afraid to face big issues head-on and solve them.”

Overcomers tend to handle complex projects and high-profile assignments with poise and efficiency because they can deal effectively with workplace stress and pressure.

7. The multitasker

The multitasker thrives in bustling environments where they get to wear many hats. They enjoy flexing their skills by performing various rotating tasks instead of repeating the same function every single day. 

This type of employee is a valuable addition for startups and small businesses with limited staff that need their employees to perform multiple roles simultaneously. Multitaskers have many talents and are flexible and highly adaptable — essential qualities employers need.

8. The self-starter

Tracey Madden, president of McIntosh Staffing Resources, says self-starters are ideal employees to hire. These individuals work hard and enjoy the satisfaction and sense of achievement they gain from their successes. 

“Individuals that take possession of the outcome of their efforts are more likely to find satisfaction in their job as well,” Madden explained.

While these individuals are available and competent if leaders must delegate tasks, they truly shine in a team atmosphere without prodding from superiors to get things accomplished. They’re also excellent role models for their colleagues. Additionally, being a self-starter is also a trait of entrepreneurial success, so don’t be surprised if these individuals launch their own endeavors someday.

9. The innovator

Innovation can be key to an organization’s growth and success, so an innovative employee who constantly brings new ideas to the table is invaluable. These employees are thoughtful and creative and often come up with original solutions to problems. They also challenge the status quo, which can help create more efficient processes.

If you want to add an innovator to your team, use specific interview questions to test their logic. You may also want to present them with a “problem” and ask how they would solve it. The more creative the solution, the more likely they can fulfill the role of the innovator.

10. The planner

To some individuals, lists are everything. Hiring a task-oriented employee who acts as a planner can do wonders for your business’s long-term success. These employees pay attention to achievable business goals and know precisely what it takes to reach them. They’re great at strategizing, organizing and staying on task. Planner types can also help co-workers stay focused by teaching them techniques for improving their workflows and efficiency. 

How to identify personality types

You can get a feel for an employee’s personality during the hiring process and as you interview them, but getting to know someone takes time. Some employers use personality tests and psychological profiling techniques during the hiring process to help identify a candidate’s strengths and tendencies. Some of these tests include the following: 

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
• DiSC assessments
• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
• Caliper Profile
• SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire
• Hogan Personality Inventory
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter

Recruiters can use the results of a formal assessment to make a more informed decision about whether a candidate has the personality traits they’re seeking. However, these tools can give you a glimpse into someone’s personality, but they can’t tell a person’s whole story. Don’t make sweeping assumptions about someone based on their assessment.

Finding the right employees for your business

Selectivity is essential when hiring employees for your business. The types of employees profiled here can bring unique benefits to the workplace. Depending on your company culture and the roles you must fill, some employee personality types may fit better into your plans. 

When recruiting and interviewing potential new hires, ask insightful questions to get a glimpse into their thought processes. Approach the interview with an idea of who, exactly, you want to bring onto your team. Do you need another jump-starter, or are you searching for a researcher? Only you know the best personality type to hire for your business.

Sammi Caramela contributed to this article.