In people-centric positions, such as sales and customer service, the need for good communication skills and an understanding of company culture are key.
But even in the manufacturing space, where skills and technical expertise are crucial, company culture and soft skills play a big role in a successful workforce.
“It’s not only about learning how to do your job. It’s about learning how to interact within that job,” says Christopher Allen, talent acquisition specialist with Ultium Cells LLC.
Allen, who has 28 years of experience working in human resources, shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the Brain Gain Youngstown Leadership Podcast. He was interviewed by Jeff Herrmann, CEO of the Youngstown Publishing Co.
Here are key takeaways:
• Company culture is important to all businesses, even manufacturers.
• Using assessments can help you find employees who align with your company’s goals.
• Soft skills are just as important as technical skills.
• Swagger does not equal confidence.
• An employee who is qualified still may not be the right fit for your company.
Allen says determining whether a person has the skills to perform the job is the easy part. He suggests employers use assessments in their recruiting efforts to help them find employees whose motivations and goals align with the company.
“Those things are all determined by your company culture. You have to first look at what the company wants to see in their workforce.”
Hear more from Allen in his interview on the Brain Gain Youngstown Leadership Podcast available HERE.
The Brain Gain Youngstown Leadership Podcast is published every Wednesday at BusinessJournalDaily.com and on Spotify.
Pictured: New employees of Ultium Cells gathered recently for a volunteer project in Lordstown.