The Art of Hiring: Why Resumes Don’t Tell the Whole Story

"Hiring people is an art, not a science, and resumes can’t tell you whether someone will fit into a company’s culture." – Howard Schultz

This quote from Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, perfectly encapsulates a key challenge in recruitment: the balance between qualifications and cultural fit. As recruiters, we often find ourselves navigating a sea of resumes, each filled with impressive credentials and experiences. But the truth is, hiring goes beyond what’s written on paper.

The Science vs. The Art of Hiring:

When it comes to recruitment, many aspects are quantifiable—years of experience, specific skills, educational background. These are the “science” of hiring, the measurable factors that make a candidate eligible for a role. But the “art” of hiring lies in identifying the qualities that aren’t so easily quantified, such as a candidate’s personality, values, and how they’ll mesh with the existing team and company culture.

Why Resumes Aren’t Enough:

Resumes are a great starting point—they give us a snapshot of what a candidate has accomplished and what they’re capable of. But they don’t tell the whole story. A resume can’t convey a candidate’s work ethic, their ability to collaborate, or how they handle conflict. It can’t show us whether they’ll be motivated by your company’s mission or if they’ll bring a positive energy to the workplace.

In today’s fluctuating market, where the demand for talent is high and the landscape is ever-changing, finding the right cultural fit is more important than ever. A candidate might have all the right qualifications, but if they don’t align with your company’s values and culture, it can lead to disengagement, high turnover, and ultimately, a negative impact on your team’s morale.

The Importance of Cultural Fit:

Cultural fit goes beyond just matching a candidate’s personality with the company’s vibe. It’s about finding someone who will thrive within the unique environment your company offers, who shares your values, and who will contribute positively to the team’s dynamic. A strong cultural fit can enhance collaboration, drive innovation, and boost overall job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and a more cohesive team.

How to Identify Cultural Fit:

So, how do we identify cultural fit when it’s not something that can be easily listed on a resume? It starts with a deep understanding of your company’s culture and values. You need to be clear about what your organisation stands for and what kind of environment you’ve created.

During the interview process, ask questions that reveal how candidates think, how they approach challenges, and what motivates them. Look for qualities that align with your company’s ethos. Consider incorporating team-based interviews or even informal meetings to see how candidates interact with potential colleagues.

In recruitment, it’s easy to focus on the tangible aspects of a candidate’s profile—the degrees, the skills, the experience. But the true art of hiring lies in looking beyond the resume to understand who a candidate really is and whether they’ll be a great fit for your company’s culture.

As Howard Schultz wisely pointed out, hiring is an art, not a science. By embracing this mindset, we can build teams that are not just qualified but are also passionate, engaged, and aligned with our company’s values. And in today’s dynamic job market, that’s more important than ever.

Stay tuned for more insights and predictions on the future of talent acquisition in our upcoming newsletters.

Warm regards,