Ever spent hundreds of hours searching for the perfect hire… and come up empty?
It happens. Even the best recruiters and hiring teams can reach out to 500+ candidates and still not find exactly what they’re looking for.
Years ago, we were hunting for a Director-level hire. We met lots of talented people—but none with the exact skills or experience.
Then we met someone different. Smart. Driven. Capable. Not a Director… but perfect for an Associate Director role.
Five years later, she’s grown into multiple portfolios—and is now a star within the organization.
The lesson:
Don’t stay rigid. Flexibility is your friend.
Know your non-negotiables (top 3–5 must-haves). Everything else? Open to creativity.
Think about potential, not just credentials. Can someone grow into the role?
Rethink the role itself. Could responsibilities be structured differently to allow a strong candidate to thrive?
Sometimes the “right person” comes in a slightly different package—and blossoms when given a chance.
Hiring isn’t just about finding the perfect candidate. It’s about seeing potential, thinking creatively, and solving problems.
