Hiring Experience vs. Potential: Why a More Inclusive Approach to Hiring Can Benefit Your Organisation

As a business leader, you want to hire the best talent to help your organisation achieve sustainable growth and succeed, but what happens when you work in a niche sector where the talent pool is so limited?

Let's use the EdTech sector as an example - when your options are so limited in terms of talent within EdTech it's time to adapt and think outside of the box (this is where many businesses struggle as they fail to see the potential and benefits of creating their own talent pool).

Hiring people who may not have the most experience but have the necessary basic skills and a passion to learn can be a game-changer for your organisation.

It's all about accepting that some of the best people may not have the most experience.

Startups in particular can benefit massivly from this approach. If you back yourself to be an expert in your industry, which you should be if you started your own business, then why not hire people you can mould into the perfect employee?

Of course, this approach comes with its own set of challenges. Hiring and training people with limited experience can be time consuming and may require a significant investment of resources. However, the benefits of having a team of talented individuals who are passionate about your industry far outweigh the costs.

By investing in your employees and providing them with the necessary training and support, you're not only helping them achieve their potential, but you're also investing in the long-term success of your organisation.

Also, hiring people with years of experience may seem like a safe and practical option for many organisations, but this approach has its downsides that should be considered.

For example, hiring only experienced professionals can limit diversity in the workplace. This can lead to a lack of fresh perspectives and creativity. Also, experienced professionals may already be set in their ways. This can make it challenging to introduce new processes, systems, or ideas which play a big part in restricting that creativity.

In summary, if you work in a niche sector and the existing talent pool is limited, it's time to start thinking creatively. Don't limit yourself to only hiring people with years of experience in your field.

A more balanced approach that takes into account factors such as diversity, growth opportunities, cultural fit, and innovation can lead to a more dynamic and successful workplace. So take a chance on individuals with the right attitude and invest in their growth.