Perspective over perfection: How to secure a talent-filled future

When it comes to the talent shortage, we’re not out of the woods yet. In the fast-evolving landscape of the business world, the traditional approach to recruitment should give way to a more flexible and forward-thinking mindset. Stop looking for that “five-legged sheep”, that one perfect candidate that checks all the boxes. Instead, focus on perspective over perfection and see how this approach can lead to a more engaged, committed and motivated workforce.

Many companies have fallen into the trap of reactive recruitment – trying to find someone who’s perfect for one specific role – and thereby setting unrealistically high expectations for potential hires. This approach deters enthusiastic young talents from applying, especially women. Studies show that females feel more required to check every single box and will more likely not apply to a position when they feel they’re not “good enough” for it anyway. In this way, including a long list of demands in your job description is also detrimental to the gender diversity of your workforce.

Embrace growth potential

Rather than focusing on candidates ticking every single skill box, organisations would do better prioritising a candidate’s potential for growth. As we say at Exellys: hire for attitude and train for skill. It’s much more important to find a candidate with the right mindset and motivation, who’s a good fit with your company’s culture and values, than to hire someone who’s “perfect on paper”. After all, training, coaching and mentorship can easily bridge the gap between the (transferable) skills a candidate possesses and the skills they need to thrive in the role. This shift in perspective allows for a broader pool of candidates, ensuring that the right fit is not lost due to an overemphasis on perfection.

From roles to career perspectives

As we all know, finding new hires is only part of the challenge. Perhaps even more difficult is to keep them motivated and loyal to your company. To this end, it’s crucial that you offer candidates more than merely a role at your organisation – you need to offer them an enticing perspective for the future. Paint a picture of where the candidate could be in 1 to 5 years’ time. Make a tangible case for the growth, the learning, and the opportunities that lie ahead. This approach not only attracts young talents but also keeps them engaged by showing them how they can contribute, progress, and have a meaningful impact on the organisation’s journey.
Young talents today seek organisations that provide a sense of belonging, a purposeful career, and a platform for personal development. When candidates see a clear path to advancement within the company, they are more likely to commit for the long haul. But the reverse is also true: if a company fixates on filling an immediate role without showcasing growth potential, they risk losing these talents to competitors who provide a clearer view of their future.

Perspective for all levels

The notion of perspective over perfection isn’t limited to junior positions. It’s crucial to extend this perspective to employees at all levels – juniors, mediors, and seniors alike. Every individual should feel valued, recognised, and given the chance to evolve within the organisation. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, mentoring, and upward mobility, businesses can demonstrate that growth opportunities are available at every stage of one’s career. And maybe even keep talents motivated and engaged through to retirement.

Empowerment through training and coaching

Perspective for growth is one thing. But you can’t just promise the Walhalla and then not support your staff in actually getting there. To truly empower (young) talents and set them up for success, training and coaching are indispensable. At Exellys, we offer tailored training programmes that align with market trends, individual goals and career trajectories. Our Smart Programmes bridge skill gaps, boost confidence, and provide a sense of direction. All our consultants have their own personal coach who supports them on this journey, and as a result, we see our consultants advance twice as fast as others. Take a page from our book and offer training and coaching to your younger hires. Mentorship from seasoned professionals can also guide young talents in navigating challenges and staying motivated.
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to team up with your company to set up a perspective-over-perfection-focused hiring strategy! → Get in touch

Conclusion

In a world where the only constant is change, businesses must adapt their recruitment strategies to match the evolving needs and desires of young talents. By offering perspective over perfection, organisations can create an environment where candidates feel valued, nurtured, and motivated to stay for the long term. A focus on career trajectories, growth potential, and inclusivity across all levels ensures that companies attract, retain, and cultivate the best talents – and thereby secure a talent-filled future.

About Exellys

Exellys is a Talent Incubator. We bring talent into the daily operations of the organisation of our customers and grow them for the innovations of tomorrow.

From the 1.500 talents we speak to annually, we select the top 7%. We intensively train and coach them on the right skills and competences. Our (scientifically based) training programs (Start Smart, Grow Smart & Lead Smart) accelerate the growth of our talents, and therefore also the growth of our customers.

We “unburden” our clients when looking for and retaining talent. We are committed to getting the best out of talent, while our customers can continue to focus on their core business.

We do this for organisations who want to strengthen their team permanently, as well as those who are looking for a flexible, project-driven solution. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help.