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Forbes Technology Council

This year is a year of growth for many tech teams. The need for more cybersecurity and advanced technology platforms to interface with customers is strong. Yet, finding the right people to fill the open positions you have in your IT department can be a challenge. It can be easy to find an IT candidate that possess plenty of skill, but what your business really needs is a versatile candidate, one who can do more than the average tech professional.

Ideally, candidates need to be adaptable and have a strong dedication to perform. These traits, along with a myriad of others, can provide the basis for a long-standing employee who will mesh well with your tech team, while also offering plenty in return for their hire.

Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council share the key trait they suggest you look for when making key hires for your tech team and deciding who gets an offer. Here’s what they said:

1. An Inquisitive Mindset

Among a number of important traits that make a successful tech hire, possessing an inquisitive mindset is arguably the most important. Technical skills can be taught, problem-solving abilities can be honed, but the need to understand how things work and why, is what ultimately separates those who can consistently come up with innovative solutions to complex problems from those who can’t. – Mike Sandler, Eligo Energy LLC

2. Curiosity

Curious people are always asking “why,” “why not” or “how does that work.” It’s these kinds of team members that are pioneers willing to take risks, willing to discover, and willing to break it down then build it up again, but this time, simpler, faster and better. – Eric Holstein, Cisco Systems

3. Teamwork Skills

When hiring new employees, a key attribute I look for is teamwork. The technology field is overflowing with stories of brilliant entrepreneurs who have made their mark and fortune through their individual contributions. For most jobs, I push my chips in on solid team players who value tackling hard and worthwhile challenges as part of a high-performing team. – Jacquelyn Hunt, Enli Health Intelligence

4. Desire To Grow And Share Knowledge

Does the candidate have the ability not only to succeed individually, but to extend their knowledge to others? Technical expertise is critical to an engineering-driven organization, but talented individuals can take a company only so far. We’re looking for people who want to grow as part of a team and who will foster an environment of learning, collaboration and communication. – Tony Safoian, SADA Systems

5. Passion And Energy

Passion and energy are essential traits. Expertise is a minimum, successful track records are a must, but these need to be accompanied with a positive and can-do attitude. – Achin Bhowmik, Starkey Hearing Technologies