How to improve your hiring: The 8 most tested traits employers assessed candidates on in 2024

Hiring has become more data-driven than ever. Companies now rely on refined assessments to predict a candidate's performance. These assessments go beyond technical skills, focusing on personality traits and behavioural patterns that signal long-term success.

Employers are now looking for candidates who can adapt, lead, and collaborate in today’s changing work environment. Knowing which traits matter most as hiring trends change can help businesses fine-tune their approach, lower turnover, and build stronger teams.

The top traits employers value in 2025 highlight a shift in how they define great talent.

Adaptability and learning speed

Industries move fast—candidates who adapt quickly stand out. Employers look for people who can pick up new skills, adjust to shifting priorities, and stay open to emerging technologies. The ability to learn and apply knowledge on the go has become a key hiring factor.

Companies now want team members who confidently handle unexpected challenges and stay productive when things change. Those who approach change with curiosity and resilience play a significant role in long-term success.

Businesses can find employees who will continue to perform by testing for adaptability. Being adaptable isn’t just about learning new software or workflows, it means solving problems in unpredictable situations, staying steady during uncertain times, and maintaining productivity even when expectations shift.

Employers use real-world simulations, behavioural interviews, and pre-employment aptitude tests to assess how candidates handle new situations. Those who view learning as an ongoing process become invaluable in today’s fast-changing work environments.

Problem solving and critical thinking

Employers look for candidates who tackle challenges logically and find practical solutions. They assess decision-making skills to see how well candidates analyse situations and think well under pressure. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 survey, nearly 90% of employers seek evidence of a candidate's problem-solving capabilities on their resumes.

Businesses want people who can look at problems from different angles and develop strategic solutions. Strong problem-solving skills involve breaking down issues, considering multiple perspectives, and applying effective fixes.

Companies also test how well candidates handle high-stakes situations. Good judgment under pressure is a strong sign of workplace success.

Problem-solving assessments often include real-world case studies or scenario-based exercises. These exercises might require candidates to analyse a business challenge and present a structured solution.

Those who balance creativity with logical thinking tend to stand out. Employers value team members who can spot patterns, anticipate obstacles, and proactively plan for challenges.

Communication and influence

Strong communicators help teams work together, reduce misunderstandings, and keep things running smoothly. Employers look at verbal and written skills to see if candidates can explain complicated ideas clearly. The ability to influence others with persuasive communication is also a big plus.

Candidates who adjust their messaging based on their audience show a strong understanding of workplace relationships. Good communicators connect departments, improve client relationships, and unite teams. Testing for this skill helps companies find people who boost productivity through clear and effective communication.

Hiring teams use role-playing exercises, group discussions, and writing tests to assess this. Active listening is just as important—employers look at how sound candidates process information, respond thoughtfully, and add value to conversations. Strong communicators adapt their style to different situations, making them an asset in any role.

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Accountability and work ethics

Companies look for candidates who take ownership of their work and stay accountable. Employers evaluate how well individuals handle challenges, meet deadlines, and remain professional under pressure.

Those who take initiative without needing constant supervision help build a results-driven culture. Reliability, consistency, and a commitment to quality work are key factors in hiring decisions. A strong work ethic shows focus and drive. It is a valuable trait for any role.

Organisations use behavioural interviews and past performance reviews to assess this. They look for signs of self-motivation, perseverance, and follow-through. Candidates who stay resilient and hold themselves to high standards become valuable team members.

Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Workplaces do well when employees can handle situations with emotional intelligence. Employers examine how candidates take feedback, manage conflicts, and stay composed under pressure. Self-aware individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, making them easier to coach and develop.

People who regulate their emotions and respond thoughtfully help create a positive work environment. Emotional intelligence also plays a significant role in leadership—those with strong emotional awareness inspire teams and encourage collaboration.

Companies use situational judgment tests and behavioural assessments to measure emotional intelligence. Candidates who show empathy, adjust their communication based on social cues, and resolve conflicts diplomatically tend to stand out.

These skills help create a more harmonious workplace. Hence, employers tend to prioritise this quality in hiring decisions.

Leadership potential and decision-making

Employers look for leadership potential, even in non-management roles. Strong decision-making skills show a candidate's ability to take initiative and help teams find solutions.

Companies assess how well candidates make informed choices based on available data. Those who make confident decisions while staying open to feedback are more likely to grow into leadership roles. Businesses value individuals who take responsibility and inspire others to do their best.

Leadership assessments often include real-world business scenarios where candidates must prioritise tasks, allocate resources, and resolve conflicts. Those with strategic thinking, decisiveness, and strong people skills tend to move up in leadership pipelines.

Team collaboration and conflict resolution

Workplaces run best when employees work well together. Companies seek candidates who collaborate with diverse teams, handle conflicts, and contribute to shared success.

The best team players balance independence with teamwork and have strong people skills. Employers assess how candidates handle disagreements, find solutions, and stay professional in group settings. Those encouraging open discussions and supporting team goals can help build stronger workplace relationships.

To assess these skills, 56% of employers use pre-employment assessments to evaluate candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities. Hiring assessments often include group projects where candidates work together under time constraints. Evaluators watch how well they communicate, share ideas, and support their peers. Those who perform well in these situations bring long-term value to a company’s culture.

Creativity and innovation

Employers appreciate candidates who think outside the box. Creativity and innovation keep businesses moving forward and help them stay competitive. Companies look for people who can develop original ideas, tackle challenges from new angles, and find innovative solutions to problems.

Curious, open-minded candidates who aren’t afraid to try new approaches bring real value to the workplace. Companies use case studies, brainstorming sessions, and project simulations to assess how candidates innovate within structured environments. Those who combine creativity with practicality can help businesses grow and adapt.

Innovation is also about improving everyday processes and finding better ways to get things done. Employers seek people who adopt new technologies, suggest fresh strategies, and contribute to ongoing progress. Critical thinking, workflow improvements, and small but meaningful changes all keep businesses relevant.

Thrive: The smarter way to find top talent

Finding top talent takes more than just scanning resumes. Thrive helps businesses identify candidates with the skills, behaviors, and personality traits that drive success. Our advanced hiring assessments measure aptitude, work ethic, leadership potential, and other key indicators that predict job performance.

With Thrive’s pre-assessed talent pool, hiring managers can quickly compare candidates based on objective data and make confident decisions. Our platform provides structured interview questions according to each candidate’s profile–guaranteeing a thorough and effective hiring process.

Browse through thousands of top-quality candidates and make better hires with data-backed insights. Request a demo today to see how Thrive’s hiring solutions can help you find the right talent faster.

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