By Kelly Gauthier, Data Science Recruiter
Hiring is an opportunity to improve your team. For many professions, this means finding a candidate who fits a certain mould – someone with a specific degree, experience, and skills. But, if you are only looking for a specific type of candidate, you could be missing out on great talent that can add new things to your organization. For this reason, you should consider non-traditional job candidates.
Here are some reasons why non-traditional candidates can be an asset to your organization:
Their potential
Even though hiring based on potential can be a risk, there is a greater possible reward. Non-traditional candidates may not have all the qualifications you’re looking for, but they can definitely make up for what they are lacking.
A unique perspective
Non-traditional candidates can offer something different to your company – a unique perspective, based on the simple fact they have taken the path less traveled. They tend to contribute ideas that are less conventional and more creative. They can also help develop outside-of-the-box solutions and tackle problems in a new way. They understand how they are different from other candidates and know how to use this to their advantage.
Expand your talent pool
A non-traditional candidate offers something others cannot. They offer potential and a diverse skill set that you may not already have on your team. They can breathe some new life into your cookie cutter team and help expand your talent pool. Having a team where all members have the same skills and experience limits your perspective and performance potential. Non-traditional candidates will make your team more diverse.
Work ethic
Many non-traditional candidates have had to scratch and claw their way to get to where they are today. As a result, they tend to have a strong work ethic, are willing to go above and beyond, and will do what it takes to get the job done. They are never satisfied and are on the path to achieve more. You can never have too many hardworking and driven team members.
More Hiring Insights
Get more hiring insights by reading these blogs from our expert recruiters:
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IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Technology (IT), Accounting and Finance, Consumer Goods, eCommerce and Retail, Financial Services and Insurance, Startup, Cannabis, Big Data, B2B and Industrial, Operations and HR, Professional Services and Legal, Media, Digital and Marketing, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, Emerging Technology and Telecom, and Sales. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.
