Do you ever feel hesitant about hiring someone who’s “too green” or struggle to find someone who has the specific experience you need?
I see a lot of job descriptions in my work, and over-prioritizing experience is one of the most common mistakes that I see entrepreneurs make in the hiring process.
Requiring a certain number of years’ experience, experience in a unique industry, or (most commonly) experience with specific tools and software—and often a lot of them.
This might surprise you, but experience isn’t the top quality I look for when hiring for my team (or recommend when consulting with business owners).
In fact, some of the best team members I’ve worked with over the years have actually had little to no experience before working with me.
Because it’s not only about experience. It’s about the qualities they have.
Are they eager to learn and willing to jump in wherever you need support? Are they a problem solver? Are they self-sufficient and resourceful, willing to figure things out themselves?
➡️ These are the top things I look for when hiring team members.
Here’s what I mean:
- Eagerness to Learn: A person who is excited to take on new challenges will go far beyond the basic task at hand. They’re the ones who ask thoughtful questions, seek out resources, and adapt quickly.
- Problem Solvers: It’s great to have someone who follows directions, but even better to have someone who actively seeks out solutions when things don’t go according to plan. A problem solver can save you time and stress in the long run.
- Self-Sufficiency & Resourcefulness: Especially in a small or growing business, it’s crucial to have team members who can take initiative and figure things out. They don’t need you to hold their hand through every task—they can figure out how to tackle challenges independently.
These are the kinds of people who become true assets to your business. It’s not always about having a polished resume—it’s about the potential for growth and the willingness to jump in and make things happen.
Is that to say that it’s bad to hire someone with a lot of experience?
Of course not.
Experience can be helpful, and a certain level of experience may even be essential depending on the role (for example, ads or graphic design). But when hiring a VA or OBM? It’s not the end-all, be-all. I’ve worked with highly experienced people who struggled with taking initiative, and I’ve worked with complete beginners who blew me away with their ability to pick things up quickly and work independently.
But I often hear business owners who aren’t willing to hire someone who’s brand new—and I’m here to make the case that experience isn’t everything. If you’re only looking at someone’s experience, you might be missing out on an extraordinary team member.
So, if you’re looking to add a new person to your team this year, keep this in mind as you begin the hiring process.
