Navigating the competitive job market in Thailand requires HR leaders to focus on more than just technical skills and experience, often delving deeper into a candidate’s personality and alignment with the company’s culture. HR leaders like Watcharapong Soottiard of HP Thailand, Ahmad Rashid of Chillchat, Pokpong Pathamasoonthorn of Maersk Thailand, Piengchit Sriprasart of Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand, and Nithis Ben-Ar-Lee of Compass Hospitality, employ specific strategies to assess a candidate’s fit beyond their resume. This approach is rooted in the belief that adaptability, attitude, and alignment with company values are essential for long-term success.
Adaptability and Learning
Watcharapong Soottiard, Country HR Lead at HP Thailand, places a high value on a candidate’s ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. By asking candidates how they adapt and prepare for the agile and dynamic nature of today’s world, he aims to gauge their proactivity and willingness to learn. In an industry where technology evolves rapidly, the ability to anticipate changes and continuously seek knowledge is crucial. This method highlights the importance of hiring individuals who are not only technically competent but also capable of navigating uncertainty and driving innovation.
Ahmad Rashid, Head of People at Chillchat, focuses on understanding a candidate’s career aspirations to determine if they align with the company’s growth plans and resources. By exploring a candidate’s goals and seeing how they map onto the company’s trajectory, Rashid seeks to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. This approach not only assesses a candidate’s ambition but also their long-term potential within the organization. It reflects a commitment to building a cohesive team where each member’s personal growth aligns with the company’s mission and objectives.
Values and Attitude
Pokpong Pathamasoonthorn, Country HR Lead at Maersk Thailand, delves into a candidate’s core values by asking them to define success in one word. This seemingly simple question provides profound insights into a candidate’s priorities, outlook, and attitude towards their career and personal achievements. A candidate’s response can reveal much about their intrinsic motivation and how it aligns with the company’s values. Such alignment is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment where employees feel connected to the company’s goals.
Piengchit Sriprasart, Chief People & Culture Officer at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand, prioritizes hiring for the right attitude by asking candidates to provide examples of maintaining a positive outlook during challenging times. This question tests a candidate’s resilience and ability to remain optimistic under pressure. In a competitive industry like beverages, where market dynamics can be unpredictable, having team members who can stay motivated and supportive is key. Sriprasart’s approach underscores the importance of attitude in navigating both professional and organizational challenges effectively.
Intrinsic Qualities Over Learned Skills
In Thailand’s competitive job market, HR leaders must look beyond technical skills and experience, often delving into a candidate’s personality to ensure they align with the company’s culture. Leaders such as Watcharapong Soottiard from HP Thailand, Ahmad Rashid from Chillchat, Pokpong Pathamasoonthorn from Maersk Thailand, Piengchit Sriprasart from Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand, and Nithis Ben-Ar-Lee from Compass Hospitality, implement tailored strategies to evaluate a candidate’s compatibility beyond their resume. These strategies are based on the premise that an employee’s success is deeply tied to their adaptability, attitude, and alignment with the company’s values and mission. This thorough approach is essential, as it focuses on identifying individuals who are not only skilled but also a good cultural fit, fostering long-term success within the organization. By prioritizing these traits, HR leaders aim to build cohesive teams that thrive and contribute positively to the company’s growth and goals.