Finding the right team member takes more than a polished résumé; it’s about whether someone shows up with the mindset, energy and instincts that align with your culture. While certain skills or habits may only reveal themselves over time, overall alignment often shows up in subtle but unmistakable ways. These early cues — from the questions they ask to the way they talk about your company’s mission — can reveal more than any job history ever could.
Below, members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the immediate signals they look for when bringing someone new onto the team, and why those “green flags” are such powerful indicators about a candidate’s potential.
Your Company Is Their First Choice
Ask one simple question: ‘Why do you want to work for our company?’ Their response reveals everything. They’re not just job hunting if they’ve done their research, understand your mission and speak to your values with genuine enthusiasm. They are looking for a place to belong. When your company is their first choice, you’ve likely found someone who will invest in your brand as if it were theirs. – Kelley Swing, Head Case Hair Studio
They’re Genuinely Excited About the Work
Enthusiasm is key. When someone’s genuinely excited about the work itself — not just the title, perks or prestige — it shows fast. You can train skills, but you can’t fake energy. That kind of aligned drive is magnetic, contagious and nearly always a sign that they’ll thrive, elevate the team and contribute meaningfully to our work. – Scott Curran, Beyond Advisers
They’re Fascinated by the Unknown
Give me the curious and the fearless over the confident. These characteristics are not found in a résumé but in how they face the unknown. Do they get overwhelmed — or fascinated? That reaction says it all. We’re not hiring robots. We are building a team of trailblazers. – Victoria Bousis, UME Studios
They’ve Done Their Research
During interviews, I notice candidates who reference one of our frameworks or ask to view our Notion Values Canvas. This shows they’ve researched our background and think in data-driven storytelling, signaling they’ll embrace our culture and deliver results from day one. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
They Ask Thoughtful Questions
One sign I notice straight away is curiosity — when someone asks thoughtful questions and genuinely wants to understand how things work. That kind of mindset signals they’re adaptable, engaged and ready to grow with us. It’s clear because curiosity shows they’re not just there to do a job but to contribute and evolve. – Francis Hellyer, tickadoo
They Show Respect to Everyone
Because we work cross-culturally, few things matter more than the ability to consistently show respect in one’s interactions. Across languages, time zones and cultures, respect shines through and opens doors that nothing else can — not even money. A team member who begins and ends by showing respect is already most of the way to succeeding. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
They Handle Stress and Conflict Well
A key sign I often notice right away that indicates a good fit is how they handle conflict. I determine this by the examples they share during the interview process. They shed insight on their ability to manage stress and their willingness to contribute positively even in challenging situations. – Nancy Pulciano, Silent Crowd
They Acknowledge Different Perspectives
They lead with awareness of themselves and others. When someone acknowledges different perspectives early on, it signals cultural humility, openness and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, inclusive environment. That’s clarity with depth. – Kimberly Reed, Reed Development Group
They Seek to Genuinely Understand, Not Just Impress
They ask sharp questions early. It shows curiosity, confidence and a desire to understand, not just impress. That instinct to engage rather than perform signals someone who’ll grow fast and think with us, not just for us. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations
