When it comes to hiring, there are certain traits that are almost universal in an ideal candidate – such as a positive, can-do attitude or the ability to work well with others. While those old standbys are still golden, the pandemic has shifted some hiring managers’ attitudes when it comes to potential candidates. Here are a few areas that have shifted into prominence in the post-COVID age.

1. Must be able to roll with the punches.

During the pandemic, promo companies showed how quickly they were able to pivot into PPE, kitting and fulfillment and other previously unexplored areas. During that scary and uncertain time, the best employees were those who were resilient and willing to try new things. “When we made changes last year, everyone got on board,” says Angela Chryplewicz, CEO of Lasting Impressions Promotional Marketing (asi/249926). “We couldn’t have someone who was hesitant to change.”

2. Must have compassion.

The lack of in-person contact, both in business and personal life, has amped up people’s desire to make authentic, lasting connections. Some hiring managers are looking for empathy in their hires right now. “You want your sales rep to have that bravado and chutzpah, but you also want them to be a human being you can talk to,” says Nick Davis, director of sales at In Your Face Apparel (asi/62494). “I need someone that understands that this is life. … I’m going to be as compassionate about you as I would expect you to be about me.”

3. Must be willing to go beyond their job description.

These days, when Greg Brown screens candidates for his North Carolina supplier, the chief operating officer and president of Citadel Brands (asi/45222) is specifically looking for people who can easily be cross-trained. “If we get busy and the phones are ringing and I have five people answering the phone but need seven, I want someone in the warehouse to understand they can also have the cordless phones with them,” he says. By the same token, cubicle workers should be able to step in and help out with packing orders in the warehouse during busy times, he adds.

4. Must be comfortable communicating in new ways.

After the pandemic switched so much of business online, Zoom calls, Slack channels and social media became the order of the day. Salespeople who didn’t quickly acclimate to virtual trade shows and videoconferences were quickly left in the dust. Though in-person interactions are gradually returning, it’s unlikely that digital outreach is over. “You need someone who communicates in a different way now,” Chryplewicz says. “Sales reps can’t go and present in person, so you need someone who’s comfortable using virtual tools.”