The "perfect candidate" doesn’t exist. It’s tempting for clients to imagine someone who ticks every box - education, experience, personality, and even soft skills. But the truth is, nobody fits every requirement perfectly.
One experience that sticks with me was a role I worked on for weeks. The client had a very specific brief: someone from the same niche industry with extensive experience and the right professional certifications. I searched high and low and found candidates who fit the criteria on paper flawlessly. They had stellar track records, industry insights, and even aligned with the client’s desired skill sets.
Despite everything, none of them worked out. And it wasn’t because they weren’t capable. It came down to personal preferences on the client’s side - things I couldn’t predict or influence. I could see the disappointment in the candidates after they had put in so much effort and hope into the process, and as their recruiter, it was tough to see as well.
This experience reminded me how much recruitment is a human process, not a checklist. There are so many layers to finding the right fit beyond what’s on paper, and sometimes the idea of perfection blinds us to the value and potential standing right in front of us.
💡 To Candidates:
If you’re not chosen, don’t take it as a reflection of your worth or abilities. Often, it’s about circumstances or decisions beyond your control. Each experience brings you closer to finding a role that genuinely fits who you are and what you bring. Stay positive, stay resilient, and trust that the right opportunity is on the horizon.
💡 To Employers:
While setting high standards is important, be careful not to let an unrealistic wish list block you from seeing great talent. Focus on finding someone who brings potential, adaptability, and the attitude to thrive, because a “perfect match” often comes from growth, not a pre-existing mold.
🎯 The Bottom Line
In recruitment, there’s no such thing as perfection, but there is such a thing as a great hire. When we shift from rigid ideals to focusing on the person behind the CV, we open doors to talents that could exceed expectations in ways we never imagined.
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