Hiring top talent is the goal of every successful company. But too often, hiring managers focus solely on resumes, credentials, and polished interview responses—overlooking one critical trait that sets true high performers apart: grit.

At Murray Resources, we’ve worked with thousands of companies and candidates across all industries. And one truth has become increasingly clear—top performers don’t wait to be great. They step into the role and start producing results almost immediately, regardless of circumstances.

Here’s what to look for during the hiring process to ensure you’re bringing in people who will deliver—not later, but right away.

What Sets Top Performers Apart? They Perform—Now

The best employees don’t wait for everything to be perfect before they contribute. They don’t need to be hand-held, and they certainly don’t wait around for ideal conditions to get started.

In fact, here’s what top performers don’t do:

• Make excuses about not having the right tools or materials

• Complain about lack of training or internal processes

• Wait for full onboarding to start adding value

Instead, they show initiative, take ownership, and get results with what they have. If something’s missing, they find a workaround. If leads are scarce, they create their own. If systems are flawed, they learn to navigate them anyway.

In short, they show up prepared—and they’re often embarrassed to walk into a meeting without progress to report.

Hiring Advice: Look for Grit and a Results-Driven Mindset

So how do you identify a top performer during the hiring process?

One word: grit.

Grit is the unteachable drive that separates good employees from great ones. It’s the mindset that says, “I’ll figure it out, no matter what.”

When interviewing, ask questions that reveal how a candidate responds when things don’t go their way. For example:

• “What would you do if you didn’t have access to the usual tools or resources?”

• “Tell me about a time you were expected to perform without much direction or support.”

• “How do you handle situations where things are disorganized or unclear?”

Listen closely to how they answer. Do they sound like someone who waits for permission, or someone who takes initiative?

Don’t Just Hire Talent—Hire Hunger

Skills can be taught. Experience can be gained. But hunger? That’s something you either have or you don’t.

At Murray Resources, we’ve helped countless employers distinguish between the candidates who are “qualified” and the ones who are hungry to succeed. The difference can dramatically impact your bottom line.

If you want your team to hit the ground running, look beyond the resume. Hire the candidate who is determined to win, no matter the odds.

Work with a Staffing Firm That Knows How to Spot Top Talent

At Murray Resources, we specialize in helping companies identify and hire high-performing candidates who don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them from day one. Whether you’re building a sales team or growing your organization across other departments, we’ll help you find talent with the grit, drive, and execution you need.

Take a look at our current job openings, or contact us today to learn how we can help your company hire top performers who deliver results.