Most of my posts are written for job candidates – but this one is specifically for my current and prospective employer-clients.
As most know who frequent my blog, FiveChairs, the company I lead is known for amazing, Nashville-area talent – readily available for a fraction of the cost of most recruiters. However, it’s the candidate photos and avatars in our online Talent Pool that often get noticed first.
And while first impressions are important, let me be the first to tell you that extraordinarily talented people come in all ages, shapes and sizes. So, if you are selecting candidates based on anything other than their skills, experience, past track record and (sometimes) education – you are making a terrible mistake. Never sum up a person by how they look.
Take a 5-second glance at the photo, below – and quickly tell me if you would hire these folks.
Well, if your first instinct was to snicker and say “I’ll pass” – you would have missed out on some of the most talented people the world has ever known. Above is a photo of the 11 folks who started Microsoft. By the way, that dorky-looking college dropout (bottom left) is now the richest man in the world.
Still not convinced? I’ll sign-off with a link to a video that inspired me to write this brief post. Do yourself a favor and watch it. You’ll never forget it. Paste the link, below, in your browser.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-KiGva9dV4
