What are the six things we look for when we’re hiring?

One of our greatest assets at Apollo are our people. That’s why we spend a lot of time trying to identify interesting, smart and perceptive people to bring on board. These are the six main characteristics which I personally look for in the people I’m directly involved in hiring: 

1. One Family value 

One of our core guiding principles has been centred around employees being part of ‘One Family.’ If we want to achieve our goals, it cannot be delivered by individuals or people working in silos. It has to be everyone working together in unison – as one family. This trait of working in a team or large group is imperative for any individual to be part of Apollo Tyres. While individual performance is important, I look for people who are team players and have continuously demonstrated working and leading teams and large groups of people. 

2. Resilience & Adaptability 

For me, resilience means possessing the emotional intelligence to be able to deal with a situation which might not go to plan in an optimistic, non-defeatist manner. It involves analysing and problem solving in a solution-based way, adapting to change, and drawing attention to one’s determination and dedication to doing well. Change is a natural part of business. Not only do we look for people who are open to that, but we also want people who can be flexible and adaptable in their work. Whether this means helping out a colleague who’s on a deadline, showing interest in learning a new skill in an unfamiliar business function, or prioritising your workload according to the most up and coming projects – adaptability is vital at Apollo. And by that I mean, we look for people who show they’re open to new things and willing to expand on their knowledge. 

3. Creativity 

I’ve found that our absolute best employees possess endless imagination, a penchant for thinking the impossible, and live and breathe our company theme: ‘Go the Distance.’ It’s not always about “one size fits all.” I like people who push boundaries when it comes to innovation and product development – what will the futuristic driver value in their tyre when it comes to style, safety and sustainability? I’m impressed by people who are creative in providing possible solutions to a business challenge, and how they present their ideas in an influential way. 

4. Growth Minded 

I’m energised by people who are not content with just doing the basics. Individuals who are focused on constantly growing their skill sets to become a better version of themselves exude a sense of curiosity and drive. At Apollo, I feel like we do our best to create an environment where learning and personal development is encouraged, so we’re interested in people who are focused on what else they can learn to become better at their craft. 

5. Taking Ownership 

Being action oriented and accountable for the execution of tasks within your role and the results that follow suit is the essence of “taking ownership.” We look for people who are deadline-driven, organised and able to multi-task. We look for doers and not talkers. Doers don't wait for conditions to be perfect before they take action, they just go for it, observe the feedback and then modify their next action accordingly. 

6. Coachability 

No matter how good you are or what your background is, being able to take on board feedback from managers, colleagues, business partners or customers is an endearing trait. I am impressed by people who have a hunger to learn, enhance and grow. I hold the view that nobody ever reaches that point in their career when they’ve “clocked it,” to the point where they’re no longer able to extract value out of constructive feedback. I value any advice I receive and I think that we are all evolving beasts and should be open to receiving constructive feedback – and open to executing on that feedback. I’m impressed by people who are willing to put their ego aside and be coachable, no matter how illustrious their background.