Surprising reasons why a candidate with zero experience was hired over a candidate with experience.
I had the privilege of interviewing a hiring manager after a candidate was taken for a role in the company he represents.
It’s a rare thing to get detailed feedback from recruiters about your job applications. They never tell you the exact reason why you’re not successful with your application.
So, I decided to dig in for an explanation.
On this account, a candidate with zero experience and no ‘tangible’ qualification was hired over the one with experience and good qualifications.
I wanted to understand what informed this decision.
I asked the hiring manager why.
HRM: “We hired the candidate because she expressed enthusiasm for growth. She showed a contagious passion and willingness to learn and to bring value to the company. Hence, we believe that she would make a great team.”
I asked further on the job description details, the expected requirements that they stated on the job adverts. The candidate’s resume/CV did not meet up to 10% of the metric.
What’s the purpose of a job description if you hire a candidate whose resume did not match up?
HRM: “Job description is only a model of what we expect from our ideal candidate. It’s not a major factor in our decision.”
Hints to get hired
These might be valuable hints to get hired for the job role(s) you’re applying for.
- You do not necessarily need to meet up with all the requirements displayed in a job description before you apply for the position. Job requirements are only expectations, not a reality.
- As well as it is important to have a qualification and some experience, be willing to show how much you’re willing to add value to the company you’re applying to. Be open to learning new ways of thinking.
- Be passionate about something. Your motive for applying for a job shouldn’t be about looking for a way to survive or to pay bills. Indicate and express how your abilities translate to your passion for something the company admires (or would consider a great value).
- Your attitudes matter. Nobody would need someone with bad attitudes as part of a team. As much as you try to show confidence, do not become arrogant. Be humble.
- Qualifications and experience are not enough to land you on your next job. You need more than that to succeed in your job applications. Learn a new approach or strategy in getting your desired job.
- Be open to connecting and communicating with other professionals or job seekers to learn new techniques. LinkedIn is a resourceful platform, to begin with.
You can add to the hints in the comment session.
Thanks for reading.
