When it comes to small business hiring, every decision can have far-reaching and significant impact. The right recruit can unlock new revenue streams; the wrong one can slow momentum for months.
If you’re hiring employees for your small business, you’re likely juggling limited budgets, accelerated timelines and the need for talent that can wear several hats from day one. This guide breaks down eight employee attributes and competencies to look for when evaluating job candidates for your business in 2025.
1. Adaptability
Why it matters
Small businesses face constant change. You might start your week adjusting to new software, adapting to shifts in client requirements or expectations by Wednesday and testing different sales approaches by Friday. That's why hiring employees for a small business means finding people who stay calm when plans change.
How to spot it
Look for job candidates who can tell you about times they handled unexpected changes at work. Examples include a retail worker who learned to analyze inventory levels in their last job, or a designer who taught themselves basic web coding to finish a project on time. Prioritize experiences that show someone who can switch tasks smoothly. Ask them what they learned from these situations—the best employees turn each challenge into a lesson for next time.
2. Tech fluency
Why it matters
Technology skills are essential for managing customer relationships, streamlining operations, and handling financial transactions—yet many small business owners still struggle with digital tools. That's why small business skills in 2025 need to include being comfortable with technology. Your team doesn't need advanced programming knowledge, but they should be able to try new software and make it useful quickly.
How to spot it
Ask candidates to explain a problem they solved with technology, which tool they picked and what improved as a result, like more sales or fewer customer queries. Be wary of anyone who claims they master every new technology effortlessly. This often signals overconfidence rather than real ability. The best professionals admit when they get stuck and know when to ask for help.
Want to attract top talent in 2025? See what today’s job seekers really value, and how your small business can meet their expectations.
3. AI confidence
Why it matters
AI-powered tools are also under the umbrella of tech fluency in No. 2, but deserve special attention now that they aren't just for big companies anymore. You're already benefiting without realizing it. That scheduling app you use? The email marketing service that suggests subject lines? Even your online accounting software that categorizes expenses? Your small business may not need more advanced AI tools than these right now, but you will as soon as you see your competitors using them for tasks like helping to answer customer questions before the office opens and predict what they’ll sell next week. That's why, when you're hiring employees for your small business, look for people who know how to work with AI to give it clear instructions and check its work.
How to spot it
Look for real enthusiasm, not just general knowledge. The best candidates can explain:
Why they choose to use AI tools like text generators for customer emails, inventory prediction apps, or simple voice assistants for scheduling instead of doing things the old way
How they make sure the AI's work is accurate
What it improves—like more sales, lower costs or happier customers
4. Clear communication
Why it matters
In small teams, every conversation counts. A rushed and poorly worded email can cause customer or colleague confusion, and one difficult client call can damage a relationship you've built for months. Effective small business hiring should prioritize communication skills for exactly that reason—how well your team members express themselves directly affects your bottom line.
How to spot it
Ask candidates about a time when poor communication caused problems and how they fixed it. Listen for specific steps they took, like:
Simplifying complex information with visuals or examples
Being clear about new timelines
Bringing in help when needed
5. Prioritization
Why it matters
Small businesses often have limited resources but endless possibilities. Managing this balance can make or break a growing company. Good prioritization means teams work faster because they're focused on the right things. It means problems get spotted before they become expensive.
How to spot it
Show candidates a list of tasks that need tackling, such as updating your website, improving how you welcome new clients and checking for changes in any legal requirements you’re under. Ask them to put these in order of importance. Pay attention to how they explain why some tasks can wait. If a candidate's solution to your prioritization test is working late nights or weekends, that's a red flag, no matter how impressive their other skills might be.
6. Project ownership
Why it matters
When you're hiring employees for a small business, a key trait to identify in people is the ability to take an idea and turn it into reality without needing constant guidance. They should spot what needs doing and get it done, not wait to be told.
How to spot it
Strong candidates talk about projects as complete stories, from how they started to what they achieved. They share real numbers about their successes, like money saved or increased customer satisfaction scores, rather than vague statements like "everyone was pleased." Be careful with candidates who talk only about their own work without mentioning how they helped others succeed. If they can't explain how they kept everyone informed and moving forward together, they might struggle in a small business where teamwork is especially crucial.
7. Growth mindset
Why it matters
When money is tight and customer needs shift often, the most valuable small business skills aren't fixed—they grow and change. The best employees see every new tool, piece of information, or customer preference as a chance to get better. They help keep your business ahead of competitors by constantly improving how things work.
How to spot it
Good job candidates can tell you about a specific skill they've learned recently at their current or previous employer and exactly how it helped their team get better results. Listen for people who move right to describing what they'd do differently next time, or how they found ways to improve their work. These are signs of someone who thinks about making things better, not just getting them done.
8. Financial savviness
Why it matters
You may not need a finance department, but you do need people who understand finance. They should know how profit works and why every expense needs to bring value back to the business. After all, it’s how and why they get paid. These employees spot wasteful spending early and let you concentrate on growing the company.
How to spot it
Show candidates a simple financial statement with an obvious problem, such as increasing supply costs without corresponding price adjustments or unexplained drops in profit margins. Ask them to spot the main issue, work out its yearly cost to the business, suggest two fixes and calculate the savings from each solution. Just watch out for candidates who only focus on reducing costs—the best people understand that sometimes spending more in the right places helps the business grow.
Finding great people might remain challenging for small businesses in 2025, but you can make smart hiring choices. By focusing on essential skills and finding people who fit your company's way of working, you'll build a team that can outperform much larger competitors.
About Robert Half: As a global leader in recruitment, Robert Half brings a world of expertise to Canadian job seekers and employers. Our dedicated team of talent specialists understand the unique nuances of the Canadian employment landscape, providing invaluable guidance on everything from market trends to career transitions. We are passionate about connecting top talent with rewarding opportunities, helping individuals build successful careers and businesses thrive across the country.
