What administrators look for when they conduct a talent search can vary from industry to industry. However, there are a few core qualities that can help ensure the success of an individual or a group. Some of these traits often include self-confidence, strong work ethic, leadership ability, the ability to be a team player, and the ability to think creatively.

Some people mistake self-confidence for arrogance or cockiness. However, that is not necessarily the case. Self-confident people are aware of their strengths and know how to compensate for their weaknesses. This type of person can appreciate the contributions of others without feeling threatened or intimidated.

A strong work ethic is valuable in any field a person might find him or herself. The desire to persevere and stay committed during strenuous academic testing, rigorous auditions, or high-level technical instruction is a big part of strong work ethic. People with this characteristic tend to focus more on working and less on socializing. They are usually the first ones to arrive in the morning and the last ones to leave at night.

People with leadership potential are often skilled in taking the initiative and looking at the bigger picture. They seem to know instinctively what to do and have already thought ahead about how to get it done. They can frequently assemble people specifically equipped to assure group-success. Leaders generally are able to have workers accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible.

Being a team player is also a quality that helps a group accomplish its goals. No one person can complete a project without the help of other people. Therefore, it is often necessary to put the interests of the team above those of each individual member. People who can do this without feeling resentment that their own contributions go unnoticed, understand what it means to be a team player.

Creative thinking involves more than generating innovative ideas or products. It is also about solving problems in a creative manner. Applying unorthodox solutions to complex problems is often the hallmark of creative thinking. This characteristic tends to rank high whether a person is auditioning actors, interviewing medical students, or putting together an IT team. Creative thinkers abound in almost every field.

What administrators look for when they do a talent search may vary depending on the field they work in. However, the qualities that can benefit an individual as well as a group include self-confidence, a strong work ethic, leadership skills, the desire to be a team player and the ability to think creatively.