Comments on: For Managers Only: Does Experience Matter?

By: Around the Business Channel: Does Experience Matter?

Around the Business Channel: Does Experience Matter? — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:14:18 +0000

[...] at Interview Chatter, I ask the question, Managers does experience matter when hiring and Which candidate should we hire? Whether we are attempting to fill the job for President or [...]

By: Darlene McDaniel

Darlene McDaniel — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:00:16 +0000

Hi Rick! Thanks for visiting Interview Chatter and adding your comment to the discussion. I find your comment VERY interesting as well. I know you are correct when you speak about the “low -maintenance” new hire who can multi-task. the problem is the people with this skill set are few and far between. Typically the hiring manager that chooses this route in my opinion, may find that they will have more problems to solve than the cost saving of having the inexperienced person. The other thing that I see, is that far too many job seekers take on positions like this – something they want to do, but have no experience and they take the job anyway – and then when they don’t perform, for lack of training, or competency, they are terminated. I talk to more people about being terminated than any other issue here at Interview Chatter. It is a dis-service to the organization and the people, to hire a person who you know does not have the experience, skills or abilities to do the job we pay them to do and then fire them when they do not perform. I would love to hear from managers on this issue.

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:01:19 +0000

Hi Darlene – and Jason!

Adding to this, the state of the economy can also play a factor in the “experience” argument. If I were a hiring manager who is pressed for time because the headcount in my department is down due to layoffs, I’d sure be looking for a low-maintenance new hire who can multi-task, essentially making my life easier.

Nice topic!

By: Darlene McDaniel

Darlene McDaniel — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:36:52 +0000

Hi Jason,
Thank you!! You are absolutely correct. I may have to revise my post. I know that so many organizations do put a demand on their people to do more than the actual job description outlined. As a result, I believe that it contributes to the lack of success that some people find in their job.

It actually can be a set up for failure for people who can not meet all of the demands their job places on them. Thank you – I honestly missed that and I know better. We agree on one thing for sure and that is that experience does matter. Thanks for the comment and insight!

By: Jason Monastra

Jason Monastra — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:07:07 +0000

Of course experience matters. All companies are looking for the person to hit the ground running, make an immediate impact and bring the company to the next level. There is an issue however your hypothesis that today’s business climate basically allows for you to find someone with the experience you need. That is not the case in most verticals. As companies are doing more with less, they are looking for people to handle more than one role and the experience of most people has not given them the ability to be as well rounded as the new market is demanding. Companies will need to figure out the core competencies of the position and be comfortable with teaching the employee the areas where they might not be as strong.