Every time you hire someone, you want to select the perfect candidate for the job.
Too bad there’s no such thing. Every job applicant has their pros and cons. It’s up to you to weigh all of them, and then make the selection that brings you the closest to perfection. And while they may not be completely prepared to do the job just yet, hiring an underqualified candidate could prove to be your best strategy in the long run.
Trust your gut. If you meet an applicant who shows the right growth potential and would be a team member you could truly count on, go for it.
Reap the Benefits
Before you automatically disregard an underqualified candidate, consider what they might offer your company. Look for transferable skills, the ability and willingness to learn, enthusiasm and the right attitude. Among their benefits, these individuals are typically:
- More affordable: When you hire an underqualified candidate, there will be fewer negotiations on wages and benefits. And when all is said and done, you won’t have to pay them as much as someone who is overqualified. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should low ball them. But since you’re giving them an opportunity to fill a role they need to grow into, you can pay a lower starting salary.
- Excited about the opportunity: This new hire will be enthused, ready to hit the ground running, and anxious to prove to you that you made a good decision.
- Easier to mold: Underqualified candidates come with fewer bad habits to be corrected and more room to improve as professionals. When you have the chance to mold and shape a new employee, you’re in a better position to get the results you want from them over time.
- More loyal: Many companies have discovered that hiring underqualified people is the best way to find employees who are willing to stick with their company for longer periods of time. They tend to be more loyal because you gave them a chance. If you have any doubts, simply ask them during their interview about their long-term career goals.
- Primed for learning: You want new employees who bring their own ideas to the table, but you don’t want to hire anyone who is unwilling to learn. You won’t usually face this problem with underqualified individuals, as they want to be taught what to do, how to do it and the steps they can take to advance.
- Team players: They’re grateful to have the job and as a result, make an extra effort to get along with everyone else. This makes life easier and work more productive for everyone involved.
Hiring the right candidate, the first time around, is critical – regardless of their level of experience. To help ensure you get every hire right, consider partnering with the PrideStaff Modesto team of experts. Read our related posts or contact us today for more information.
