When it comes to recruitment, are you sure you’re looking beyond just the CV? While a polished CV might give insight into a candidate’s experience, it doesn’t paint the full picture. The key to building a successful team lies in assessing the skills that truly matter.

At Legacy Strategies, we believe that hiring isn't just about qualifications—it's about finding candidates who bring the right mix of technical, personal, and soft skills that will make a lasting impact on your organisation.

So, How Can You Identify and Assess Skills in Candidates?

1. Clarify the Skills That Matter Most to Your Organisation

Before you even start reviewing resumes, it’s essential to know exactly which skills you’re looking for. Consider:

• Hard skills: Technical expertise specific to the role.

• Soft skills: Communication, problem-solving, adaptability.

• Cultural fit: Does the candidate’s values align with your team?

A clear understanding of the skills required will guide your entire recruitment process.

2. Ask the Right Questions with Competency-Based Interviews

Competency-based interviews give you insights into a candidate’s ability to apply their skills in real-world situations. Rather than asking theoretical questions like "Do you have leadership experience?", ask them to describe specific examples.

For instance:

• “Tell me about a time you led a team to overcome a challenge?”

• “How have you solved a problem under pressure?”

These kinds of questions allow candidates to showcase their experience in action—essential for understanding their capabilities.

3. Soft Skills Matter – Use Psychometric Testing

Assessing soft skills like emotional intelligence or communication style can be tricky. This is where psychometric testing comes in. These tests measure behavioural traits and cognitive abilities, offering a more objective view of a candidate's suitability.

At Legacy Strategies, we recommend psychometric testing to gain valuable insights into:

• How a candidate handles stress.

• Their decision-making process.

• Whether they align with your company culture.

4. Real-World Assessments: See How They Perform

One of the best ways to assess whether a candidate has the right skills? Task-based assessments. Whether it’s drafting a proposal, solving a case study, or performing a coding challenge, real-world tests give you a hands-on understanding of their abilities.

This also allows you to see:

• How they handle complex tasks.

• How they problem-solve in a time-sensitive environment.

• Whether they can deliver under pressure.

5. Peer Interviews: How Do They Collaborate?

Your team’s synergy is vital to your organisation's success. To truly assess how a candidate will fit into your team dynamic, introduce peer interviews. Having potential colleagues interact with the candidate can provide insights into:

• How well they communicate and collaborate.

• Whether they complement or clash with the existing team culture.

Look out for candidates who engage positively and respectfully with others—they’ll likely thrive in your team environment.

6. Cultural Fit: Are They Aligned with Your Values?

Technical skills and experience are important, but a candidate’s alignment with your company values is essential for long-term success. A great candidate will not only bring their expertise to the table but will also integrate seamlessly into your company culture.

During interviews, explore:

• “What motivates you in your work?”

• “How do you handle challenges when they don’t go according to plan?”

The more you know about their personal values, the better you can assess their fit.

7. A Commitment to Continuous Development

Skills evolve, and so should your team. During the recruitment process, pay attention to candidates who are committed to learning and growth. Ask them:

• “What’s a recent skill or technique you’ve learned?”

• “How do you stay updated with industry changes?”

Candidates who are proactive about their development will be the ones who keep your team competitive and innovative.

Conclusion: Hire for Skills, Not Just Experience

Building a dynamic, high-performing team isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about identifying the skills that align with your needs and culture. At Legacy Strategies, we help organisations look beyond the CV to find candidates who bring true value through a blend of experience, hard skills, and soft skills.

How We Can Help

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business.

📞 01702 540145

📧 info@legacystrategiesltd.co.uk