Why You Don't Always Have to go for the Most Experienced Candidate

Many candidates you see during the recruitment process will lack experience, but that doesn't mean you should reject them. Far from it. Some of the best applicants will be those who lack the experience but have the right attitude, while experienced candidates can simply look good on paper. If their CV is short but they have that spark, take them and shape them.

One major reason to hire the rookie is their passion. If they have the right approach and attitude to the job, that counts for far more than experience. Experience can be gained, attitude can't. Sometimes the person with the longest track record can be arrogant, perhaps assuming they have it in the bag, or they may simply lack that special something.

Less experienced candidates can also be more adaptable and innovative. Perhaps it's because they lack a track record, they're often used to coming up with ways around problems to prove their worth to you. The more seasoned candidates might be set in their ways, and that can be a problem if you can't persuade them to change and adapt to your organisation.

Remember, the younger, inexperienced candidate is the next generation. They may bring that enthusiasm which often accompanies young blood, and enthusiasm is infectious. That's not to say you should go for them simply because of their youth and fire, and older candidates can have the same degree of passion.

Ultimately it comes down to gut instinct, but experience can only take a person so far. Hire in the knowledge that you can teach them and shape them into the employee you need.