4 ways to assess adaptability skills

By using a variety of methods to assess adaptability in the workplace, you can gain a clearer understanding of how each candidate navigates change. Here are some effective evaluation options.

1. Resume review

Scan applicant resumes for keywords and concrete examples of adaptability. With Indeed’s extensive matching and hiring platform, you can efficiently and effectively identify individuals who possess these skills. One such feature allows you to access matched candidates instantly, based on your job’s criteria.

Look for achievements and other professional experiences that showcase adaptability. For instance, a candidate who successfully managed a major cut in the department budget without decreasing productivity shows resourcefulness. Other examples include solving a production problem, negotiating a major contract and researching a major regulatory change to keep their department compliant.

2. Interview questions

You can also get a sense of how well your top candidates adapt to change through your interview questions. Asking candidates to give you examples of specific adaptability skills can give you a better idea of their behavior when things are unpredictable.

Some interview questions you can ask to assess adaptability may include:

• How do you proceed when a project you’ve been working on for weeks changes suddenly?
• Tell me about a time when you were suddenly put into a new situation or asked to do something you’ve never done before.
• Have you ever been asked to complete a task outside your job scope? How did you handle it?
• How do you stay current with changes in the industry?
• Tell me about a situation where you had to work with a colleague who approached a situation differently than you.
• Do you like working in varying environments or do you prefer consistency?
• How do you approach learning a new skill?
• How do you handle the challenges of starting a new position?

3. Online skills assessments

You can administer online skills tests that measure specific job skills. Some assessments measure adaptability skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, learning agility and the ability to thrive under pressure.

4. Reference checks

Conducting reference checks for top candidates allows you to hear a former manager’s perspective on the interviewer’s adaptability in the workplace. Include questions in your reference checks that relate to adaptability skills to see how well they handled changes in their old workplaces.

What is adaptability at work?

Adaptability in the workplace is a blend of skills, attitudes, behaviors and mindsets that empower employees to thrive during times of change. For employers, understanding and cultivating adaptability within their teams is becoming increasingly essential in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Examples of adaptability skills include:

• Cognitive flexibility: Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to think on your feet, shift gears quickly and consider multiple perspectives when facing new challenges or situations. Adaptable employees are open to new ideas and willing to adjust their approach based on feedback or changing circumstances.
• Emotional intelligence: Adaptable people can manage their emotions effectively. They’re self-aware, able to regulate their emotions and empathetic towards others. In turn, they can build strong relationships and maintain a positive attitude even under pressure.
• Problem-solving: Change inevitably brings challenges. Adaptable employees are resourceful and not afraid to experiment with different approaches.
• Open-mindedness: A willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives, even if they differ from one’s own, is a core skill of adaptable employees.
• Creativity: Generating novel ideas and solutions and being able to think outside the box helps employees approach problems from new angles.
• Initiative: Being adaptable requires a willingness to take action, seek out new challenges and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Self-awareness: The capacity to recognize one’s own strengths and weaknesses and leverage that knowledge to improve performance is essential for adaptability.
• Proactive learning: Adaptable individuals have a thirst for knowledge and are constantly seeking to expand their skill set. They embrace new technologies, stay up-to-date on industry trends and actively seek feedback to improve their performance.

Why hire for adaptability?

Adaptable employees help companies achieve their goals and weather the rapidly evolving business landscape because they:

• Thrive in uncertainty: Adaptable employees don’t just tolerate ambiguity, they actively seek it out as a source of opportunity. They’re often comfortable making decisions with limited information and pivoting when necessary.
• Embrace lifelong learning: They view challenges as chances to expand their knowledge and skill set, constantly seeking out new information and refining their expertise.
• Champion collaboration: They understand that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. They build bridges across teams, foster open communication and seek input from various stakeholders.
• Exhibit resilience: Setbacks don’t deter them. Instead, they view failures as learning experiences and use them to fuel their determination.
• Lead with emotional intelligence: They understand their emotions and those of others, using this insight to build rapport, manage conflict and inspire those around them.

Building a culture of adaptability at work

To be adaptable in the face of constant change, cultivate a workplace culture that embraces change and encourages experimentation. Here are some strategies for building a culture of adaptability:

• Encourage a growth mindset: Foster a belief in the power of continuous learning and development. You might also consider providing opportunities for employees to gain new skills.
• Empower employees: Give employees the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work to instill a sense of responsibility and encourage creative thinking.
• Encourage collaboration: Break down silos and encourage cross-functional collaboration so employees can learn from each other, share ideas and develop innovative solutions.
• Lead by example: As a leader, model adaptability in your own behavior. Be open to new ideas, embrace change and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.

Read more: Tips for Improving Adaptability in the Workplace

The future of work is adaptable

Organizations that prioritize and nurture adaptability skills increase their chances of thriving in the years to come. Embracing adaptability as a core value means building a workforce that’s resilient, innovative, engaged and ready to tackle any challenges that come your way.