What's a Perfect Candidate?

For those who don't know me, I'm a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience split between sales and recruitment. Having spent 11 of those years in this region, I've had the privilege of meeting a diverse range of professionals across various functions, industries, nationalities, and religions. Each person is unique in their own way, both in terms of personality and experience. It's fascinating how two people can be doing the exact same job, yet there is always something that sets them apart.

When I started in recruitment, I often heard clients say, "We want a perfect candidate" or "We want a WOW candidate." Essentially, they were looking for a unicorn with a foal's salary or even a fresh graduate with 10 years experience, a seemingly impossible expectation, but you get the idea.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of compromise in the recruitment process. In reality, if you have a checklist of ten qualities, you are unlikely to find someone who ticks all the boxes. Employers need to focus on what is truly important rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal. Personality and ambition, combined with a supportive environment that fosters growth, can create a top candidate. As an employer, you have the power to mold your candidate. By providing training and continuous support, your employees will exceed expectations. Conversely, if an employer focuses solely on numbers without offering anything in return, employee performance will inevitably decline, affecting their future prospects as well.

Hiring managers must prioritize what matters most and learn to read between the lines during interviews. Candidates today often use AI to craft perfect CVs because they fear missing out on opportunities to showcase their abilities. They might not be a 100% fit for the role or may be stuck in environments that do not foster growth, yet they remain due to comfort and fear of taking risks. This brings us to the crucial point that the right environment is key to creating the perfect employee.

I've successfully placed candidates who don't have a bachelor’s degree, yet they overachieve because they recognize the need to compensate for that missing credential. Consider Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in the world. Despite being a school dropout, he surrounded himself with people who encouraged and supported him, enabling him to become the best version of himself through continuous growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of a perfect candidate is a myth. Instead of seeking an unattainable ideal, employers should focus on the core qualities that truly matter and invest in creating an environment that nurtures growth and development. By doing so, they can transform good candidates into exceptional employees. Remember, it's not about finding the perfect candidate; it's about building one.

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