Stop Hiring for Job Titles—Start Hiring for Problems

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Most companies ask, “Who do we need to hire?” when they should be asking, “What problems do we need to solve?”

In today’s tight labor market, experienced professionals demand top salaries, and fresh graduates—let’s be honest—aren’t always job-ready. The solution? A hiring and training process that focuses on skills, adaptability, and long-term growth rather than just filling positions.

Here’s how HR professionals can get the right person...and keep them.

Note: Download my 3 C’s Interview Question Guide to ask the right questions, spot the best candidates, and make hiring decisions with confidence.

Hire for Problems—Not for Roles

Before rushing to post a job description, take a step back and identify the actual business challenge.

• Instead of asking, “Who do we need to hire?”
• Ask, “What problems do we need to solve?”

For example, if your company struggles with payroll errors, do you need another general HR admin, or do you need someone skilled in HRIS and process optimization? Defining the problem first helps you find candidates with the right skills to solve it.

The 3 C’s of Hiring: Competence, Culture, and Coachability

Once you know the problem, the next step is hiring the right person—not just the most experienced one. That’s where the 3 C’s come in:

? Competence – Do they have the skills and experience to do the job well?

? Culture Fit – Will they work well with the team and embrace company values?

? Coachability – Are they open to learning, feedback, and professional growth?

Many hiring managers focus on competence, but culture and coachability are just as critical. Which one is the hardest to spot in an interview? Probably coachability. A candidate who thinks they already know everything won’t grow. On the other hand, someone with a strong learning mindset can develop quickly—even if they start with some skill gaps.

Once You Hire the Right Person… Train Them the Right Way

Many employers hire multiple candidates and hope one figures it out. A better strategy? Hire the best fit and use an effective training process to bring them up to speed.

The 3 D’s: Document, Demonstrate, Duplicate

This simple framework ensures new hires master their tasks efficiently:

?? Document – Create an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) or checklist for the task.

?? Demonstrate – Walk the new hire through the process, following the checklist. Update it as needed.

?? Duplicate – Have the new hire complete the task while you observe. Make corrections as needed.

This method, inspired by Alex Hormozi, ensures that training isn’t just a one-time event but a structured process that leads to real skill development.

Why This Works

Hiring in today’s market is challenging. You can’t always afford top talent, and you don’t have time to gamble on underprepared hires.

By focusing on problem-solving instead of job titles, hiring for competence + culture + coachability, and using a structured training method, you create a workforce that’s skilled, adaptable, and ready to contribute.

Get the 3 C’s Interview Question Guide – A Must-Have for Hiring

Finding the right candidate isn’t just about checking off skills on a resume—it’s about hiring people who can solve problems, thrive in your culture, and grow with your company.

?? Tired of hiring candidates who look great on paper but struggle in real work situations? This guide helps you assess competence beyond a resume with targeted interview questions.

?? Struggling to find candidates who actually fit your team’s culture? Learn how to spot the right culture fit during the interview—before it’s too late.

?? Want to build a team that’s eager to learn and grow? Use the coachability questions to identify candidates who are adaptable, open to feedback, and ready to develop their skills.

Download the 3 C’s Interview Question Guide today and take the guesswork out of hiring. With the right questions, you’ll make better hiring decisions—every time!

This is just one of the many resources available in the extended 2.0 version of our newsletter, where you’ll also find templates, checklists and videos to elevate your HR game.

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