It can be hard to find the perfect candidate. You can search high and low, but they seem to exist only in theory. The perfect candidate is a myth.
But that does not mean you should settle for someone unsuitable for the job. Sometimes, you will have to take a chance on the middle ground.
How can you tell if someone is worth taking a chance on? Here are our top tips on when to take the leap of faith with interviewees:
When they show potential
In today's ever-changing business landscape, it can be beneficial to hire less experienced candidates and train them to suit your business needs.
If the candidate shows potential, they will usually be more open to new ideas and ways of doing things. And as your business needs expand, you'll know they'll have a willingness to grow and learn with the company.
Also, it can help to boost morale within your company. Seeing someone new come in and succeed can inspire other employees to work harder and achieve their own goals.
When they’re a cultural fit
Cultural fit can be misunderstood to mean a candidate is a “good fit” if they would get along well with the team and the company. While this is certainly a part of it, culture fit is much more than that.
A good culture fit is someone who shares the same values as the company and who would align with the company’s goals.
Hiring for culture fit is important as it can help to improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and even lead to better company performance. When everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal, it’s amazing what a company can achieve.
When you have a good gut feeling
Sometimes you just get a good feeling about a candidate. If you think they would be a good fit for the role, trust your gut and give them a chance.
There is some evidence that our gut instinct can be surprisingly accurate. “In the past two decades, psychologists and neuroscientists have made enormous strides in identifying the sources of our gut instincts, and their essential role in our lives.” In one study, researchers even “identified specific situations in which our intuition is likely to lead us down the right path”.
Of course, you shouldn't hire someone just because you have a good feeling about them. You should still ensure they are qualified and a good fit for the job and company.
But, if you have a good feeling about a candidate, don't write them off just because they don't have all the traditional qualifications. Sometimes, it's worth giving someone a chance.
Of course, there is always a risk when you take a chance on someone. But more times than not, that risk pays off.
Never underestimate the power of a first impression. If you see potential in a candidate, don’t be afraid to give them a chance. They might surprise you!