For anyone who knows me, it will come as no surprise to know that for years, I’ve been a staunch advocate for taking a chance and giving rangatahi (young people) an opportunity to engage in full time work.

I regularly challenge people on roles when they say experience of at least two to three years is required. And I’ve consistently gone loud about the undeniable benefits of hiring someone with no experience but a good attitude and what this can bring to an organisation.

But when I found myself in a position to hire an 18-year-old straight out of high school, even I hesitated to walk my talk and offer them a job. I want to take this opportunity to share my journey - from initial doubt to embracing the power of inexperience, and how it turned out to be the best decision I have made – in the hope that it will encourage just one person to give a young go-getter the chance to prove themselves.

The Power of a Positive Attitude

One of the greatest advantages of hiring someone with little to no prior experience is their fresh perspective and untapped potential. When I first read the CV of this particular young candidate, I hesitated because of the absence of any kind of work history (beyond part-time jobs). I took a moment, gave myself a shake and reminded myself of the countless success stories of those who started their careers without any experience but went on to achieve great things.

Throughout the initial interview, I was immediately impressed by the candidate's positive attitude. Their enthusiasm, gratitude, and eagerness to learn were almost tangible. They possessed an unwavering determination to prove themselves, which I recognised as being a valuable asset. Attitude is something that cannot be taught or acquired through experience alone.; it’s a quality that can drive someone to surpass expectations and inspire their team-mates.

Dedication and Eager Learning

The initial interview went better than expected so it was easy to convince myself to offer a second interview where I was further impressed by the candidate's dedication and eagerness to learn. Despite their lack of experience, they had taken the initiative to research our organisation, understand the role, and familiarise themselves with our industry. Their dedication demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute to the team.

During the interview process, it became evident that this candidate possessed a hunger for knowledge and a thirst for personal and professional growth. Their willingness to learn and adapt was infectious and would eventually come to inspire the rest of the team to do the same. It quickly became clear that their lack of experience was not a hindrance but rather an opportunity for them to shape themselves into an exceptional professional.

Manners, Respect, and Team Spirit

As the candidate transitioned into their role, their demeanour continued to impress me. They conducted themselves with exceptional politeness and respect, not only towards senior members of the team but also towards their peers. This level of professionalism is often overlooked in the hiring process, yet it plays a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment.

Furthermore, this young person displayed a remarkable ability to collaborate and work effectively within a team. Their willingness to listen, contribute, and support their colleagues brought a renewed sense of camaraderie and unity to the workplace. It was a refreshing reminder that a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills are just as important as technical expertise (which can be taught).

An Epic Future Ahead

Now, a couple of months into their role, I can confidently say that hiring this dynamic and dedicated person straight out of high school was the best decision I’ve made. They’ve not only met my expectations but exceeded them in every way. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn have had a transformative effect on the entire team.

This experience has reinforced my belief that experience should not be the sole determinant when evaluating candidates. While experience undoubtedly has its merits, it should not overshadow the immense value that an inexperienced individual with the right attitude can bring to an organisation.

As hiring managers, we must be open to challenging our preconceived notions and biases when evaluating candidates. Experience should not be the be-all and end-all in the hiring process. By giving rangatahi their first opportunity, it’s not only a win/win for all involved but it feels damn good knowing you’re putting something into motion that could potentially change lives forever.

Ngā mihi nui