Why the Right Hire Isn’t Always the Obvious Choice

When it comes to hiring, most companies focus on finding the perfect candidate—the one who checks every box on a list of qualifications. But in our experience, the right hire isn’t always the most obvious one.

At first glance, it makes sense to prioritize technical skills, years of experience, or industry-specific knowledge. But over decades in staffing, we’ve seen time and time again that the most successful hires often bring something less measurable to the table: adaptability, cultural alignment, or a fresh perspective.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

Skills Can Be Taught, Mindset Can’t

A candidate with the right attitude can often learn faster and integrate better than someone with a ‘perfect’ resume but with the wrong mindset.

Diverse Perspectives Drive Innovation

Teams don’t thrive on carbon copies of past successes. Sometimes, an unconventional hire becomes the game-changer. These candidates bring fresh ideas and unique approaches, challenge conventional thinking, and spark creative solutions. They ultimately lead to better problem-solving, increased adaptability, and a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market.

Over-qualification Isn’t Always a Red Flag

A highly experienced candidate might bring stability, leadership, or mentorship to your team in unexpected ways.

We’ve seen companies pass on great hires because they were “too junior,” “too senior,” or didn’t fit an overly rigid checklist—only to realize later that these candidates might have been exactly what they needed.

“Over my ten years in the staffing industry, I would say some of my best hires might not have that degree or exact technical background but they were given the opportunity to excel in a new role and have lasted many years with clients and became more than just an individual contributors. I always say sometimes it’s worth taking a chance on the less than ideal candidate.” 

– Robyn Wolf, Technical Resource Manager @ EDI Staffing

Great staffing isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about identifying potential, alignment, and long-term value. Sometimes, the best candidate isn’t the most obvious one on paper, but the one who brings something intangible yet transformative to your team.

Are you hiring with an open mind—or just checking boxes?

Tell us here.