And where better to do so than within North America’s thriving manufacturing industry?

The manufacturing sector this year has faced challenges it never saw coming. But let’s go back a little further, into an industry which has been transformed over the last decade with the implementation of incredible technology. This might look like hardware (such as precise sensors which accurately measure output, waste, and so much more) and high-powered software alike (to help manufacturing businesses analyze, utilize, and store such information). Both of these additions to the manufacturing environment have taken our understanding of productivity to new heights.

And with that comes its own challenges. If you work in or around the continent’s manufacturing space, you’ll have been hearing the words “skilled labour shortage” for a while now. While technology has truly found a home here, that has meant a shortage of those who know how to implement, use and maintain it.

Enter this week’s career spotlight: technology in manufacturing.

It’s no secret that “tech is the place to be”, as it were. With the advent of new technology being used in innovative ways comes those who need to challenge, control, and make sure it’s working at its best. Many manufacturing organizations are faced with a lack of technically skilled staff to take on these positions. So, if you possess an analytical mind, a nose for tech and a problem-solving attitude, you possess all traits that a forward-thinking manufacturing business is looking for at the moment.

And it isn’t all hi-tech talk and software. The technological systems in place in any workplace need to be physically maintained, too – a career choice which would put you at the forefront of tech without the… Well, tech-y bit. Careers in manufacturing technology bleed into assembly, processing, QC and many other areas of the business as a whole, meaning there’s tons of opportunity to transition and progress both vertically and horizontally.

Careers in manufacturing technology: Sustainability

The pandemic may have poked holes in the manufacturing sector’s processes and operations, but in doing so one thing rang true: we need the goods we need, and we need them fast. In terms of building a sustainable career, the combination of technology within manufacturing is a winner.

In the realms of supply, demand and now innovation, there’s no ceiling.

Careers in manufacturing technology: Longevity

Class yourself as a keen learner? As technology continues to grow and develop, and as manufacturing businesses continue to reap the rewards of utilizing it, there’s learning opportunities aplenty. And, as those pursuing a career in this route become specialists in their field and grow adept with how technology can and should work, those same manufacturing businesses will become competitive employers who are keen to keep you around.

The career path is longstanding and ever-evolving – with no end in sight.

Careers in manufacturing technology: Excitement

The best bit about a career in manufacturing technology? It’s a journey, and there’s no telling where it could go. Tech is an exciting space for those focused on building a fast-paced, progressive career. One where the challenges are vast, the scope constantly adjusting, and the rewards are huge. A career in manufacturing technology will be challenging, but exciting and engaging too.

If you’d like to explore opportunities within the manufacturing workplace, partnering with NLG brings you not only access to incredible opportunities, but the inside track on the ones you’re a great match for. Learn more about our services for jobseekers here, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re on the market for new career opportunities within manufacturing.

There are many ways to approach a job search during troubled times, and Covid-19 brings with it a slew of new expectations, requirements, and ways to stay competitive. Here are our top tips for job hunting during a pandemic, with some ideas and advice for reinvigorating the way you go about things from here on out.

1. Invest in your skills, knowledge and experience

Take note of what you’re seeing on every job application you read. Is there a certain course, qualification or particular experience that the majority of applications ask for? Now, importantly, do you possess it?

To stay competitive as a job seeker, use this time to see what employers are valuing, and invest in getting yourself to that point. Start thinking of each application you send as a package, where each piece of experience, education or knowledge you possess is a piece of the puzzle. Next, begin working to fill in the gaps. The more you can gather, the stronger your application becomes. Take an online course; offer to volunteer or intern somewhere. Learn a new tool, something employers see value in. Job hunting during a pandemic means adapting to the wants and needs of the market – by investing in yourself.

2. Make online networking tools your new best friend

With so many workplaces in upheaval, often still working from home or remotely, it’s difficult to know exactly where your application is going to end up. So, instead of dropping your application through one of the usual methods and hoping for the best, get yourself onto LinkedIn and start doing some research.

It’s a powerful tool at your disposal. Begin connecting with leaders in your industry. Start following people and posts which interest you, eventually searching for a way to make an introduction with potential opportunities in mind. Proactivity goes a long way and, while we’re not saying you should spam strangers with connection invites, online networking is something which will serve you well.

3. Patience is truly a virtue

Looking for a new job can be frustrating, tiring, and demotivating at the best of times. Job hunting during a pandemic encompasses all of these feelings, on top of many further Covid-related obstacles and barriers. Businesses are adapting; things may happen slowly. Staff are being pulled in multiple different directions.

With all this in mind, our final tip is to practice patience – more than ever, in fact. The process might be slower, while focus is on other business-critical matters, but hold your own and remain professional. Don’t be afraid to give an interviewer you recently met a nudge if you haven’t heard back, but equally be cognizant of the interesting, likely different stresses and pressures they possibly find themselves under at present.

Job hunting during a pandemic is something many won’t have experienced before, and possibly will never have to; know that there are recruitment partners like us to support you along the way. Whether you’d like to hear more advice like the above, need to brush up on your interview skills, or would just like to hear about opportunities – get in touch with our team today.

The state of the workplace has changed drastically over the last few months, but that does not mean that all regular business practices have come to a halt. As an employer, you will still have to be aware of any potential audits coming your way, and you must be wary of how this year’s events may affect next year’s audits. Both ethical and financial audits will be affected by variables caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 and there are certain preparations that can be made that will save you a big headache.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for an audit during COVID-19.

What is a SMETA Audit?

If you are in an industry such as logistics or supply chain, chances are you will be familiar with the SMETA audit or will have one coming up soon. The Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit is one of the most widely used ethical trade audits formats across the globe and ensures ethics and transparency in the workplace.

They are conducted to ensure that companies are following standardized ethical codes of conduct in areas like labor standards, health & safety and business ethics, among others. Audits like these are beneficial in the sense that they can unearth some unbeknownst problems, and fixing those problems within the allotted grace period can lead to your company operating at its highest potential. 

Health & Safety Audits

Regardless of industry, in the age of COVID-19, certain ethical issues carry a heavier weight than others, health and safety arguably being the top contender. Concerns surrounding the cleanliness and safety of a workplace are at an all-time high, and regulations enforcing these measures have been put in place. These audits are essential during COVID-19; a poor performance could be the deciding factor of whether or not your workplace will be allowed to reopen at all. 

Before a health and safety ethical audit, make sure that: your workplace can accommodate social distancing measures (if possible); you have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and gloves available at all times; and that the general cleanliness (and frequency of cleaning) of the workplace is up to code. 

Also, updating employee manuals and documentation surrounding COVID-19 health and safety policies and procedures so that your employees have access to them is critical. This will ensure that your staff can be briefed on any COVID-19 related health and safety regulations when they return to work and can perform them accurately.

Financial Audits

Despite the various workplace changes many employers have seen lately, requirements to complete your annual financial audit are still in place. Preparing for a financial audit during this time presents a different set of considerations than an ethical one.

It is likely that your financial situation has changed in some capacity over the past few months. Whether that means laying off employees, cutting senior staff wages, accepting wages subsidies or something else, you must ensure your books reflect these changes. Recording any financial changes in budget, income, inventory etc. is crucial for both this year’s audits as well as the following year, so it will be beneficial to label any COVID-19 related changes as such for reference. COVID-19 audits may be somewhat more forgiving, but it is good practice to record everything accurately.

Technical Considerations

This year’s audit will be different in almost every sense of the word. In some situations, audits may still need to be done from a distance in compliance with social distancing recommendations. If this is the case for you, make sure you have all necessary measures in place so that your remote audit can go off without a hitch. This could mean granting your auditor remote access to your workplace or your financial records, or setting up virtual meetings with your auditor through a video conferencing app. Having these things in place beforehand will ensure your audit starts off on the right foot.

Next Level Group is always happy to help our clients navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 related best practices. If you have any questions regarding audits or have another inquiry, don’t hesitate to let us know. Contact us today. 

The hiring landscape has changed dramatically over the past few months, in response to the constantly shifting parameters related to COVID-19. As the workforce begins to make movements towards reopening, it may be beneficial to give your hiring processes a once-over so that you can continue reaching the right candidates.

There will be significant changes to take into consideration when hiring post-COVID-19 – here they are!

Candidates Are Looking For Flexibility

If the last few months have taught us anything, it is that many jobs across a variety of industries can be done remotely or with a certain degree of flexibility, with no resulting loss in productivity. This fact likely won’t change once COVID-19 parameters are lifted, nor should it have to. According to a recent survey by Gallup, 59% of employees said they would prefer to continue working remotely as much as possible after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. 

Adjusting your roles to reflect a heightened preference for working from home and flexible hours can potentially relieve a number of stressors for candidates and can open up your talent pool to include a wider range of job seekers. Companies that don’t offer these options (of course, where they are possible) could potentially fall behind in the race for talent. 

Health a Top Priority

Personal health and safety have been top of mind for the past few months, as we have watched COVID-19 tear apart the world around us. For many people, one of the top hesitations for returning to work are concerns about ensuring personal health and safety in a place that isn’t their home, including social distancing, accessibility to PPE and frequency of cleaning.

Communicating clearly that you value the health of your employees and demonstrating that you have stringent measures in place to enforce those values, could mean the difference between landing some great candidates or losing them to the competition. There are also many government recommendations in place regarding health and safety, that must be reviewed before reopening your doors. 

Make Room for Tech

Using technology in the professional world was already on the rise but has been accelerated significantly by COVID-19. One in five workers have used at least one new piece of technology since the quarantine began, with that figure even higher in certain tech-heavy industries. Harnessing different types of technology has allowed people to stay in contact with one another, expanded their skill set and made them more confident using technology in general. 

Looking for candidates that are familiar with technology that supports collaboration and communication is in your best interest, regardless of the industry. In addition, ensuring your management staff is comfortable with hiring technology, such as an applicant tracking system or video conferencing, will also be a necessary change, if it hasn’t already been implemented. 

Candidates are Becoming More Competitive

Over the last few months, many people have found themselves with a little extra time on their hands. In response to this, a major increase in online learning has occurred, with many people turning to the internet for the chance to improve their technical and soft skills and work on professional development, so they can return to the job market stronger than ever.

The more skills a candidate has, the more competitive they become – meaning your approach to sourcing and hiring candidates may need some adjusting to make your positions the most attractive. At the very least, your job applications could go through a revamp, in order to pinpoint exactly what you are looking for in a candidate. 

Need a hand looking for some fresh talent after the dust settles from COVID-19? Next Level Group would be more than happy to help – contact us today to get started.

Are you looking to add some new warehouse staff to your roster? Working with a staffing agency presents obvious benefits for the job seeker when looking for a great position, but it can also present a number of advantages for companies looking to hire new team members. 

Whether you are getting ready to reopen your workplace or have continued hiring during the outbreak, hiring quality candidates isn’t always easy. Especially during this dislocating era of COVID-19, it’s a great idea to have a seasoned professional on your side to help make the most of your recruiting efforts, and find staff that are qualified and ready to stick around for the long haul. 

Here are some of our top reasons as to why you should consider partnering with a staffing agency, during COVID-19 and beyond.

They Can Adapt to Your Unique Needs During Lockdown and Beyond

We know firsthand that the needs of a warehouse business can change day by day. Especially in this particularly stressful time, it can be difficult to stay on top of making placements on your own when you likely have a long list of other duties to attend to daily.

Perhaps you need one team member for three days or twenty members for three months. Whatever your unique hiring situation may be, staffing agencies have deep networks of candidates that are qualified, pre-screened and ready to work at the drop of a hat. We take care of all the administrative work and free up your time so that you can focus on what you do best: integrating the new hires into your team!

Deep Industry Knowledge

Working with a staffing agency means that we not only provide you with great candidates fast, but we also have years of experience and a deep well of industry knowledge to back up the decisions behind each placement. 

It is our job to keep an ear to the ground about changing employment regulations, shifts in hiring timelines, government employment packages, increased safety protocols and a plethora of other factors when making placements during COVID-19. We then communicate those factors to both parties, so that everyone is on the same page and we can arrive at a decision that works for everyone. 

We are confident that any employer would agree there is nothing more frustrating than putting time, money and energy into hiring an employee, only to find out they’re not the right fit. Years of experience has allowed us to ensure that does not happen. 

Advocate for Your Company

It’s a candidate-driven market out there, meaning job seekers have more options and leverage when it comes to finding a new position than ever before. While COVID-19 has changed this in most industries, with an influx of online orders, warehouse workers are as important now as ever before. It can be difficult to appeal to job seekers and maintain a great employer brand while juggling all of your other duties, even more so as we try to navigate the ongoing crisis.

Recruiters act as a liaison between the job seeker and the employer, and always strive to make a good match. A staffing agency can advocate for your company and present your positions in strategic and exciting ways, giving you an edge against the competition. 

Build a Partnership for the Future

A good recruiter will never place a candidate in one of your positions that is not truly a fit. Why? Because their reputation as someone who is knowledgeable and dependable is on the line for future interactions, and we want to create long-lasting and meaningful partnerships with every company we work with. 

So, even if we are not able to find the right warehouse associate for your current opening, we are always ready and willing to try again next time. Building a professional network for making current and future placements is in everyone’s best interest as we work towards our ‘new normal’. 

Looking to add some team members to your warehouse operation? Next Level Group would be more than happy to assist you – reach out to us today to get started. 

Tech jobs across North America had a strong start in the beginning of the year: in Canada, tech remained one of the fastest growing industries across the country; tech jobs accounted for 10 out of the top 25 jobs in the United States as of just one month ago. However, with the current health concerns circling, it remains unclear whether that momentum will keep going or if it will have to take considerable steps back like many other industries have had to.

If you are concerned about how the virus will affect hiring in the tech industry, keep reading. We have gathered some insights so that you can stay informed and adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape.

An Uncertain, But Hopeful, Future

Across the board, COVID-19 is forcing many businesses to pause for the time being. Jobs and contracts are being cancelled or postponed, leaving some people out of work, while some employees have been asked to work from their homes.

The tech sector has seen an interesting combination of ups and downs in response to COVID-19. Some experts have suggested that in the US, an increase in job openings during the first two months of the year, before the outbreak took over, will act as a buffer for the likely decline of jobs in the months to come. Some tech sectors, such as information technology and telecommunications, are projected to drop, while other tech sectors such as internet and tech, are actually projected to increase during this time.

Because this outbreak is fairly recent, a clear answer for the future has not been formed. In general, though, job openings are on a decline at the moment, which is typical across most industries right now.

The most important thing we can do collectively is to stay positive and rational amid the chaos. Capterra senior content analyst Zach Capers notes: “We are clearly in unprecedented territory and the outlook is changing by the hour. However, as near-term volatility gives way to more clarity about what we’re facing in the medium- and long-term, financial markets will stabilize, and the job market should eventually rebound.”

Recruiters and Hiring Managers Harnessing Technology

Because the economic climate seems to be changing by the minute, different companies are making swift changes in approach to their hiring efforts. Large tech companies like Google have been leading the way in terms of their COVID-19 response, and smaller companies are quickly following suit.

Some companies are being more conservative in response to the rocky job market and are delaying their hiring efforts – or stopping them altogether. However, one thing that most people in the technology sector are comfortable with is just that: using technology. If companies are continuing with hiring, all interviews and meetings are being conducted via phone or virtual platforms such as Zoom or Skype, a measure taken to encourage social distancing while still being able to work.

Some experts suggest that the pandemic is lending a significant hand in accelerating workplace practices that may have already been on the rise, like the encouragement of remote work and virtual conferencing. Regardless, the current climate is one that will take some adjusting to.

How You Can Stay Competitive

It might seem like the whole world is on hold right now – but that doesn’t mean your job search efforts have to stop! While this may be a quieter time, there are still things you can do to promote your job search in the interim:

• Revamp Your Documents: Take some time to update your resume, cover letter, and online profiles and portfolios, so they are ready to go if an opportunity comes along
• Virtual Networking: Industry events and in-person networking will be on hold for the next while; take advantage of social media, email and video calling to connect with your peers and stay in the job-seeking headspace
• Learn a New Skill: Have some free time? Perhaps now is a good time to look into taking some online courses or skill training to add to your repertoire, making you a more competitive and desirable tech candidate when hiring picks up again

And, if you haven’t before, consider working with a recruiter to help navigate through this difficult time. Regardless of the hiring landscape, you can count on recruiters having a deeper understanding of industry trends and larger professional network that you can use to your competitive advantage.

If you need support during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out! The team at Next Level Group is always here to lend a hand – you can contact us by emailing us directly or clicking here.

According to the Comptia IT Industry 2020 Trends Report, IT professionals have a very promising outlook: “IT professionals should feel confident about their future prospects…the high demand for technology skills [can] lead to robust career options. There is also a sense that the importance of technology to business objectives makes technology a more integral part of business operations and gives IT pros an opportunity to play a role in the direction of the organization.”

In Canada, over 80% of IT professionals feel positive about their outlook in the field!

We are passionate about the IT industry here at Next Level Group. It’s imperative for us to keep on top of the latest technological trends – doing so allows us to excel at placing IT professionals in rewarding positions across the country.

Let’s take a look at some of the top technology trends for 2020: from the next wave in the Internet of Things to artificial intelligence, it is an exciting time to be working in the field. Looking for a new job? Find out how we can help you at the end of this post!

Internet of Things in 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) is the idea that objects can be connected through the internet, allowing more people and things to be in sync with one another than ever before. Long gone are the days where you could only access the internet from your computer or phone – an estimated 26 billion IoT devices are installed worldwide, with that number constantly climbing.

Workplaces and professionals that employ more of these devices are undoubtedly more streamlined and efficient, and the industry will soon be reaching beyond the professional world. An exciting development for this year will be the long-sought after concept of ‘smart cities’ beginning to take shape, with neighbourhoods and eventually whole cities being connected through the Internet.

However, greater implementation also means greater risk – experts predict that device and IoT hacking will become commonplace in 2020. Perhaps one of the biggest priorities for IT professionals to keep in mind this year are the heightened security and safety measures IoT devices will face. Having a good understanding of what measures can be taken to protect a company’s IoT devices and networks will certainly give you a leg-up against the competition when looking for a new IT position.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence has made waves in virtually every professional field: healthcare, marketing, education, recruiting, and many more. According to a recent survey, 59% of companies currently use AI or machine learning in some capacity, and that number is projected to keep growing as more brands jump on board. In the IT sector, the possibilities for deployment of AI are seemingly endless, and have already changed the field in several positive ways.

Contrary to many worries about a machine uprising resulting in a loss of human jobs, the future of AI will see a balance of human-machine work, and not a reliance on either. Analysts from the research group Forrester say that work will depend on “a symbiotic relationship between (hu)man and machine. This is not a (hu)man-led, machine-do structure; instead it will match leadership, decisioning, and executive tasks across robots and machines that best deliver the desired outcome.”

In fact, fewer than 5% of companies said they would deploy AI at an enterprise level, versus 20% just one year ago, citing understand the fundamental applications of AI and machine learning as the top priority, according to the annual PwC AI Predictions survey. Only once these fundamentals are perfected will the majority of companies begin to democratize more advanced AI uses. As an IT pro, don’t be surprised if teaching others in the workplace about AI basics becomes an even larger part of your role this year.

Changes to Cloud Services

When the cloud was introduced, any IT professional would agree that it was an absolute game-changer. The concept of accessing your files from someone else’s device was so innovative that is has become a must for many business’ file-sharing and collaboration efforts. Still, like most technology, the cloud presents some downsides. Threats, such as being very susceptible to hackers and other security issues, and drawbacks, such as having to rely on the internet in order to use it, have prompted developers to explore other options.

Emerging technologies such as mesh networks, which wirelessly use multiple networks more efficiently to transmit data, and edge computing, which keeps data moving on the periphery of a network rather than sending it into the cloud, are becoming more commonly implemented to improve response time and save bandwidth. Alternatives like these are being used more frequently in order to addresses the speed and security issues clouds sometimes face. They are also predicted to make IT work in general easier, faster, safer and overall more accessible.

The research on these new alternatives is nowhere near as extensive as the cloud but it is always interesting to keep an ear to the ground. In your next interview, consider starting a discussion on how you see it integrating into the modern workplace this year.

What’s Next in Cyber Security

The concept of cyber security isn’t necessarily a new trend for 2020, but it is changing with the times. While the influx of new technological advancements like Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are benefitting a lot of people and businesses in positive ways, they are also providing cybercriminals with new methods of attacking systems and putting companies at risk.

Staying attuned to the latest news in cyber security should be at the top of every IT professional’s list so that they can know and address the warning signs when they see them. According to Finances Online, the average time it takes for a security threat to be detected is 6 months, and cyber attacks can cost small businesses an average of $133,000 – this are grim statistics and many people’s lives could be improved if they were acted upon.

The Comptia report also notes that threats have become so prominent and worrisome that many businesses have gone so far as to treat cyber security as its own dedicated department, like accounting or HR. This allocates more time and energy to managing security threats, rather than dividing a general IT professional’s focus. So, if you are on the hunt for a new IT position, it could soon be a commonality for your job to deal exclusively with preventing cyber-attacks.

Are you passionate about technology like us? Are you looking for a new job? Well, you have come to the right place! At Next Level Group, we are dedicated to helping IT professionals find great positions to thrive in. If you need a hand in this, don’t hesitate to reach out today. You can email us directly or click here!

Contrary to what some people might think, working with a business strategy coach is not a sign of weakness or incompetence. In reality, it’s a practice of self-awareness, responsibility and dedication to being the best you can possibly be! Letting someone into your world isn’t always easy, but the pay-off can be huge. In fact, according to the Institute of Coaching, “over 70% of individuals who receive coaching benefit from improved work performance, relationships and more effective communication skills”.

Working with a certified business strategy coach from Next Level Group can help provide you with fresh perspectives to improve your day-to-day and your bottom line. However, there are also some unexpected benefits that you may not have considered, sweetening the deal even more! Read on to see what we mean.

Your Work-Life Balance Will Improve

Working with a business coach can lead to obvious things that improve your business goals, such as better relationships with your staff and cutting costs. But it can also have a huge positive impact on your personal life, improving the work-life balance of both you and your employees.

Running a more productive and streamlined business can lead to reduced stress levels, the benefits of which don’t stop after you’ve gone home for the day. In turn, happier and less stressed employees are around 20% more productive at work, creating an overall positive snowball effect that keeps both your personal and professional well-being and success on the upswing.

Your Professional Network Can Grow

Business coaches know and work with many high-level executives and business owners – by the very nature of their work, their professional networks reach far and wide. The potential to grow your personal and professional network through this channel is always present. Business coaches can connect you with people that you may not have had access to before.

In addition, they can offer you advice and training on how to better network yourself on your own. Improving your own networking and social skills opens up the potential to even more connection possibilities, which can open up any number of doors: new hires, business partners, and more.

They Can Offer an Objective and Insightful Perspective

Especially when you have been managing a business for many years, it is easy to develop ‘blind spots’; areas that need dedicated attention which may have gone unchecked for periods of time or swept to the side against seemingly more important tasks.

Bringing in someone that can offer an objective perspective on a grand scale can help identify problems that you may not have even known were hurting your business. Career coach Erica Breuer sums it up nicely: “The only thing worse than having a big vision that you can’t articulate is being unaware of your areas of potential.”

You may hire a great business coach for one thing, and they could end up helping you identify and overcome points of weakness that you didn’t even know were there when you initially reached out.

You Can Internalize Lessons – and Use Them Elsewhere

More often than not, business techniques can be applied effectively to other aspects of your day-to-day. Breuer goes on to explain that “it’s undeniable that sharpening the way you navigate change, manage conflict and plan at work will trickle down into other areas of your life.”

For example, the organizational skills you learn could help you to finally go through your closet of old clothes; the cost-cutting options you explore could help you find some extra money in the family budget. When you set aside dedicated time to thoughtfully improve areas that need work, the positive possibilities are truly endless.

The goal of business coaching is to help clarify your vision and to make it attainable – but it can really be so much more than that.

Interested in working with a business strategy coach? It’s just one of the many services offered here at Next Level Group, in addition to matching top talent with exciting professional opportunities. To find out more, email us directly or click here.

There has been a surge in the emphasis on soft skill importance. When looking for the perfect hire, it is proving beneficial to consider the characteristics that aren’t necessarily taught in school or solidified by a certificate. Traits such as creativity and passion can go a long way in the IT world, more so than ever before.

If you are in charge of hiring an IT professional for your business, be sure to consider the following list. We have compiled the top five qualities of all great IT team members, as well as ways to elucidate them in the interview process.

Creative Thinker

The best IT professionals have very creative minds and love to use them when solving technical challenges. There is more to coding than searching for answers on Google. Try asking them what their next move is when they’ve been stuck on a bug for hours, or about the architecture of a recent project they worked on and how they’d have done it differently. Beyond having a technologically competent employee, it’s important to find an IT professional that has the ability to think outside of the box.

Being able to problem solve is absolutely critical to the success of an IT professional (and to the success of your business). In the interview process, if you can find out how they innovatively approached problems in the past, it will give you a good sense of how they might handle their work in the future pertaining to your business.

A Team Player

A successful company is built on the backs of many. Even if your IT department operates as a one-person division, successful IT professionals need to be able to see themselves as a part of the larger team and interact with others well. One of the biggest aspects of this is communicating technological jargon in plain speech, so that problems can be understood by all. Communication, along with collaboration and open mindedness, are all marks of a great team player, and a valuable employee.

During the interview, it will be helpful to ask them scenario-based questions relating directly to working as a team – not everyone works well with others, and it’s better to know this sooner than later! Try asking them which aspect of working in a team they struggle with the most, and see if their answer gives you any hints as to whether they’d mesh with your organization.

Sees the Bigger Picture

Good employees, in any discipline, see beyond their role and think about how they fit into the grander scheme of things. Having employees that are engaged and dedicated to the bottom line is critical to the success of your organization. An IT professional that doesn’t see past their duties will eventually produce a negative result. As the saying goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.

In the same vein, you can inquire about times your candidate had to work beyond the scope of their role or collaborate with another department to achieve a result. Getting their insights on areas outside of their own will demonstrate whether or not they are thinking big.

Passionate about Technology

Someone that is passionate about technology and the way that it works is more likely to not only be better at their jobs, they are more likely to be happier as well. Happier employees are said to be around 20% more productive than their uninspired counterparts, so it is in your best interest for your employees to love what they do.

You can ask them their opinions or insights on some technology-related news or trends – something that isn’t necessarily related to the job in question – and see how they are able to speak about it.

Eager to Learn

Someone who is passionate about their jobs will also typically be open to constant learning, making them an even more valuable asset to your operation. The world of technology is constantly changing, as are IT roles. It takes someone special to put the extra effort into keeping up with those changes and applying them thoughtfully to their professional work. Hire someone who is on top of the latest developments and enthusiastic about learning about them. Whether or not the candidate is interested in staying relevant in their discipline could make or break the success of your hiring decision.

Questions that allude to the candidate’s teachability and their interest in the greater field will help confirm whether or not they are still passionate about learning new skills!

Looking to hire an IT professional? Look no further than Next Level Group – IT is one of our specialities! Head to our employers page or email us directly to find out what we can do for you.