Hiring managers: looking for the best candidate for your team?
 
Surprisingly, the best candidate for the job isn’t always the one who checks all the boxes. Why? Because success in a role goes beyond just skills and qualifications.
 
There are several other reasons you can and should hire someone who doesn’t meet every single job qualification:
  1.  Adaptability: Some high performers may lack specific experience but show the ability to adapt, learn, and grow quickly through past experiences and a growth mindset approach, making them open to new ways of learning and bringing fresh insights to the team.
  2.  Cultural Fit: You can teach someone new systems and technical skills but you can’t teach cultural fit. Sometimes, someone with a mix of interpersonal skills and team alignment can bring more value than a qualified candidate who lacks these soft skills.
  3.  Passion for Excellence: People who are passionate are intrinsically driven to go the extra mile to learn, improve, and innovate in their roles. A less experienced but highly motivated person may quickly outgrow the limitations of their experience.
  4.  Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Candidates who demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and creativity can thrive in the most complex roles, regardless of their previous experience. They can think through a situation, understanding potential impact, and come up with an effective solution.
  5.  Opportunistic Hiring Opportunities: Some candidates have skills that may not be immediately or directly relevant to the job as it stands but could be valuable for future roles or projects. It’s important to think about how a new hire can add value now and to the future growth of the team and organization.
  6.  Unique Perspective: A candidate who brings a different background or perspective can offer innovative solutions and a fresh approach. While most organizations think they need someone with specific industry experience, the reality is diverse experiences can lead to more creative problem-solving and broaden the team’s overall perspective.

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More by the Andrews & Cole Team
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.