“We liked them, but they didn’t tick all the boxes, and they were only 75% in one particular area…”
Sound familiar? I can be a common thought process when hiring, but be careful – this mindset could be holding you back from attracting the right talent.
Let’s face it, hiring someone who perfectly matches 100% of the job description (JD) is not just rare, it can actually be counterproductive. Here’s why:
The Risks of Hiring to 100% of the JD
- You’re Limiting Your Candidate Pool
By insisting that candidates meet every requirement listed, you’re cutting out 90-95% of the market. Think about it: how many people can honestly claim to have every skill or experience you’re asking for? Chances are, you’re excluding some great candidates who could have the potential to excel in the role, simply because they don’t match every bullet point on paper. - They Won’t Be Motivated to Move
If a candidate already possesses everything needed for the role, what’s in it for them? If there’s no room for them to learn or grow, they may not see the appeal in changing jobs. Top talent is looking for new challenges, growth opportunities, and environments where they can develop – not stagnate in a position that doesn’t push them. - They Won’t Stick Around for Long
If someone comes into a role already equipped with 100% of the required skills, there’s very little room for growth or learning. That might seem great at first, but long term, it leads to boredom and dissatisfaction. Employees who aren’t challenged or given opportunities to expand their skill set often don’t stick around. They’ll likely leave for a new challenge elsewhere.
The Better Approach: Hire for Potential
Instead of trying to find that elusive “perfect fit,” focus on hiring for potential. Here’s what that means:
- Look for candidates who have 70-80% of what you’re looking for. If they have the core competencies, they’ll be able to pick up the rest with the right support and training.
- Invest in training, mentorship, and development. If you say you offer learning and growth opportunities as part of your culture, then back it up! Hire people who are eager to learn, and give them the tools and support they need to develop those missing skills.
- Nurture and watch them grow. A candidate who comes in with room to grow is more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and loyal to your company. As they grow into the role, they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and commitment that you simply won’t get from someone who was already doing the job on day one.
You can also watch Bob break it down here ⬇️
@mexa_solutions Struggling to hire? Avoid this big mistake and follow our top tip!
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Next Steps
If you claim to offer a workplace focused on learning, training, and development, prove it. Don’t just hire for skills that are already there – invest in growing your people. The reward? A dynamic, loyal workforce that’s constantly evolving and contributing to the company’s success.
If you’re looking to build a team that’s driven by growth, motivation, and long-term success, we can help. At Mexa Solutions, we specialise in connecting companies with talented individuals who are eager to learn and grow into their roles. Get in touch to find out how you can hire for potential and build a stronger team for the future:
Phone: 01489 850 202
Email: info@mexasolutions.com
