Hiring Finance Grads: How to Identify High-Potential Talent and Train for Success

Recent finance graduates bring fresh ideas, but identifying high-potential talent requires careful evaluation. This blog outlines key traits to look for during the hiring process and offers training tips to help new hires transition smoothly into high-impact roles. Connect with PrideStaff Financial for help creating an effective talent pipeline.

High Performance vs. High Potential:

High performance refers to the quality of work provided by employees, and most often, high-potential employees are high performers. When you call someone a high performer, it means they provide consistent and exceptional output. High-performance employees excel in the specific scope of tasks delegated to them. However, they may not possess leadership skills or other managerial skills needed to advance in the organization. “Potential” refers to the possibility of growth in a person, the capability to adapt, and the desire to take on broader responsibilities. These people are more likely to get promoted and assume leadership roles. Their varied skill set makes them invaluable to organizations.

Emotional Intelligence:

An employee’s level of emotional intelligence is one of the primary markers you should look at. Emotional intelligence refers to how a person perceives, evaluates, expresses, and manages their emotions and the emotions of others. High-potential employees exhibit high emotional intelligence. This trait allows them to remain calm and collected under pressure.

Superior Social Skills:

An individual’s social skills are a fantastic indicator of whether they are a high-potential employee. Future leaders often have excellent interpersonal relationships with their teams. They get along well with their co-workers, knowing the importance of positive relationships for building a favorable work culture.

Adaptability:

This refers to the ability to respond to sudden changes in the workplace. It’s a practical ability any employee can bring to the table. Highly adaptable employees are better able to face challenges and issues with ease. This trait showcases their resourcefulness and decisiveness, which are fantastic qualities all leaders should possess.

Performance Metrics:

Tracking the performance of new employees and graduates is one of the most effective ways to identify high-potential employees. Performance metrics provide objective measures of new employee performance, which helps you manage these employees effectively. It allows you to monitor behavior and activities closely.

Training Tips:

One of the best ways to train these individuals is through coaching and mentorship. It provides several advantages that would tremendously benefit talented employees. Research has shown improvements in confidence and productivity for employees who received regular mentoring sessions. As many as 80% of workers reported this progress after a coaching program.

Job Shadowing:

Job shadowing is a kind of on-the-job training program. It allows workers to follow and observe other employees, such as senior colleagues, as they perform tasks and responsibilities. These individuals can gain valuable experience and insights into the roles of others.

 

PrideStaff Financial has consistently won awards for exceptional client satisfaction. Our highly skilled staffing consultants can support your management teams during the upcoming tax season. Contact us to learn more about our accounting & finance staffing services.