Experience Doesn’t Predict New-Hire Success
What’s the most important metric you turn to when comparing job candidates? Is it experience?
If so, you’re not alone. But you might be surprised to hear that in a recent Harvard Business Review study, experience did not rank very highly as a successful predictor of success. In fact, it came in at #14.
“Right, Matthew,” you’re thinking. “But it’s not like experience is a BAD thing.” Or is it?
Consider these points:
If you hire the candidate with the most experience, it might impact your salary costs. Particularly in a field where experience is rare and valuable, companies can find themselves bidding for the perfect candidate.
Too much emphasis on experience can adversely affect your diversity efforts. It’s a fact that minority candidates (and women) often have less experience. Squeezing out those with less experience might inadvertently lead you to create a team with less diversity.
Sometimes those with more experience are fixed in their work habits and ways. You might be surprised how quickly greener candidates learn and adapt.
Of course, there are some roles for which experience is paramount. But a blind allegiance to this hiring metric can often sabotage your own recruitment efforts.
