Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring for potential over skill? Do you think one is better than another? What about hiring for organizational culture?

Answer 1

In a competitive business environment, every organization tries its best to attract and retain talent. Potential could be defined as the capability of developing something innovative and great, depending on the unrealized ability. It reflects ones' problem-solving efficiency and level of conscientiousness. The majority of recruiters believe that potential is comparatively valuable traits of the job-seeking candidate to the skilled candidates. They think that this is not necessary that the past performances skill help in changing and future success.

Advantages of hiring potential over skill

• Focusing on the employees' potential results in better performance and productivity that benefits the organization.
• They could easily adapt to the changes and be motivated.
• The professional attitude is already within them, and this is a trait that cannot be taught.
• The company could find talent for less salary.

The disadvantage of hiring potential over skill

• They require more training as well as mentorship.
• If the potential could not meet the assigned job's demand, then it will waste an organization would require having another hire.

In my opinion, the potential is better than the skill, as the skill could be taught but not self-confidence and positivity. Hiring potential benefits the organization in the long term as they grow and adapt to more complex and challenging roles in the future. According to the Harvard Business Review, They are enriched with the five traits curiosity, motivation, determination, insight, and engagement, and these traits are essential for gaining a competitive advantage.

As far as organizational culture is concerned for these candidates, they are in the early career accomplishment; it is comparatively difficult for them as the organizational culture influences the potential of a candidate. But the fact could not be ignored, as every employee in an organization has must some skills but not every employee has the potential. These traits of a candidate make them superior to other employees. While iring the potential, the recruiter must ensure that the candidate is culturally fit in the organization culture and his or her potential will remain the same and succeed in the organization's framework.