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BusinessTips and Tricks

How to Spot Potential in Student Candidates

Hiring students is often about identifying qualities that aren’t immediately obvious. Without a long list of previous roles or glowing references, it can be tricky to know who will bring genuine value to your business. Emerging talent often comes with raw potential that just needs the right opportunity to shine. So, how do you spot it?

Here’s a closer look at what to look for during interviews, how to read between the lines on a CV, and how to identify those who might not have a wealth of experience but bring something far more valuable to the table: drive, adaptability, and a fresh perspective.

Curiosity and a Willingness to Learn

One of the clearest signs of potential is a hunger for knowledge. Ask candidates about a time they’ve had to teach themselves something new, whether it was for a project, a hobby, or even a personal goal. Someone who takes the initiative to upskill, especially in areas relevant to your industry, is likely to be proactive and adaptable in a professional setting.

During the interview, listen for clues. Do they ask thoughtful questions about the role, your company, or the industry? Curious candidates are often the ones who’ll challenge the status quo and find creative solutions to problems. And who doesn’t want that on their team?

Problem-Solving Skills

Students may not have years of professional experience, but they’ve likely tackled challenges in their academic or personal lives. The trick is to get them to talk about it.

Instead of asking a general “Tell me about yourself” question, try something like: “Can you share a time when you faced a tough challenge and how you approached it?” Look for candidates who can break down the problem, explain their thought process, and share what they learned. A clear, logical response signals someone who can handle pressure and think critically.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on how they react if they’re stumped. Do they take a moment to gather their thoughts or get flustered? The ability to stay calm and think on their feet says a lot about how they’ll approach real-world challenges.

Passion for the Industry

You can teach someone new skills, but you can’t fake enthusiasm. When a candidate genuinely loves the field they’re stepping into, it shows. Whether it’s through extracurricular activities, personal projects, or even the way they light up when talking about their ambitions, passion is a powerful indicator of potential.

To gauge this, ask open-ended questions like: “What drew you to this industry?” or “What excites you about this role?” Look for thoughtful answers that go beyond surface-level responses. A student who can articulate why they’re interested in your field – and back it up with actions, like attending industry events or starting a related side project – is someone worth paying attention to.

Adaptability and Resilience

The modern workplace evolves fast, and you need employees who can keep up. Students often face setbacks, whether it’s a failed group project or balancing part-time jobs with demanding coursework. These experiences, while challenging, can help shape resilience.

During interviews, encourage candidates to share times they’ve had to adapt to unexpected changes or recover from a setback. Responses that show resourcefulness and a positive attitude are clear signs of someone who’ll tackle challenges head-on.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaboration is essential in almost every role, and students often gain this experience through group projects, sports teams, or volunteer work. While teamwork can sometimes be tricky to measure, the right questions can bring it to light.

Try asking: “Can you describe a time when you worked as part of a team? What role did you play?” This can help you understand how they approach collaboration, whether they’re natural leaders, mediators, or strong contributors behind the scenes.

A Strong Work Ethic

Work ethic is one of those qualities that’s hard to teach but easy to spot. Look for candidates who demonstrate a consistent drive to succeed, whether that’s through academic achievements, part-time jobs, or personal commitments.

During the hiring process, you might also consider practical tasks or assessments. These give candidates a chance to showcase their determination and creativity in real-time, often revealing qualities that a CV simply can’t capture.

Balancing Experience with Potential

Of course, there’s a balance to strike. While it’s important to spot potential, don’t overlook the practicalities. Does the candidate have the basic skills to perform the role, or will you need to invest significant time in training? Are they the right cultural fit for your team? A spark of potential is fantastic, but it needs the right environment to grow.

It’s also worth acknowledging that some students might have had fewer opportunities to gain traditional experience due to financial or personal barriers. Don’t let a sparse CV deter you from digging deeper. Often, these candidates bring unique perspectives and a level of grit that’s invaluable.

Final Thoughts

Spotting potential in student candidates isn’t an exact science, but it’s an art worth mastering. By looking beyond the obvious – grades, internships, and polished answers – you’ll uncover individuals who have the drive, curiosity, and adaptability to thrive in your business.

Emerging talent might not come with a glowing track record yet, but with the right guidance and opportunities, these candidates could become some of your most valuable hires. And who knows? You might just spot the next rising star before anyone else does.