The Lost Art of Hiring: "Hire for Attitude and Train for Skill"

As my dad always asked, ‘what happened to the art of hiring for attitude and training for skills?’ Has the ‘ready-to-??’ culture taken over hiring as well and business are now chasing ‘ready-to-work’ candidates just like ‘ready-to-eat’ food?

In the fast-paced world of modern business, where technology evolves rapidly and new skills emerge almost daily, the hiring landscape has become increasingly focused on specific skill sets. Resumes brimming with technical proficiencies and specialized experiences dominate the recruitment process, often overshadowing the equally crucial qualities that a candidate brings to the table: their attitude, mindset, and potential for growth. This shift begs the question: What happened to the traditional hiring practice of emphasizing behavioral attributes over skills?

Sam Capoor, the late founder of Capoor & Sons Publishers, believed firmly in the mantra, "Hire for attitude and train for skill." This philosophy, which guided his company to success for over fifty years, centered on the idea that a candidate's attitude, work ethic, and passion for learning were more critical to their long-term success than their current skill set.

Today, many hiring managers, swamped by a flood of resumes, find themselves focusing narrowly on listed skills and experiences. In doing so, they risk overlooking the whole person behind the resume—a person who might possess a growth mindset, accountability, and an intrinsic passion for problem-solving.

Consider the story of Mike Capoor, Sam’s son, who inherited the family business. Faced with hiring a new manager, Mike initially sifted through stacks of resumes, each detailing a variety of technical proficiencies. Yet, none seemed to capture the essence of what his father had valued most. It wasn’t until he shifted his focus to candidates' cover letters and references that he found Emily, a young woman whose resume was modest but whose enthusiasm and willingness to learn shone brightly.

Mike hired Emily based on her attitude and set up a training program to help her acquire the necessary skills. Her rapid growth and positive influence on the team reaffirmed the timeless wisdom of his father's approach. Emily's story is a powerful reminder that technical skills can be taught, but qualities like a growth mindset, accountability, and passion are inherent and invaluable.

So why has the emphasis shifted away from behavioral attributes?

?The reasons are multifaceted. The pressure to fill roles quickly and efficiently often leads to a reliance on quantifiable skills as a shortcut for assessing a candidate's potential. Additionally, automated hiring systems and keyword-driven applicant tracking software can inadvertently prioritize technical skills over personal attributes.

However, businesses that return to the practice of hiring for attitude and training for skill often find themselves rewarded with loyal, adaptable, and motivated employees. These individuals, driven by a desire to learn and grow, often surpass their more technically qualified peers in both performance and contribution to company culture.

As we move forward in this ever-evolving job market, it's crucial to remember that we are hiring whole people, not just resumes. Emphasizing behavioral attributes and potential can lead to more dynamic and resilient teams, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. By valuing attitude and a growth mindset, we invest not only in our businesses but in the people who will drive them to new heights.

Happy Father’s Day !

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