I May Not Have The Experience You Want, But It's Actually This That You Need!

Yesterday, as I was scrolling along on my LinkedIn page, I saw a quote from Simon Sinek, author of Start with WHY. He said, "You don't hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills."

I began to reflect back on the jobs I've been hired to do over the years with no prior experience. 

For 5 years, I worked as a Medical Office Assistant for a major Orthopedic clinic... with no experience... or prior training. I was hired during a time when they were really short-staffed and they were looking for anyone they could teach the skillset they needed. Within a few months, I was flying high on my own without the need for someone to come behind me and check my work. 

I loved that job... but I mostly loved it because I was proud of how much I had learned on the job. It wasn't just about the skills, but the general knowledge that came with it. 

Recently, I was hired by a Virtual Assisting company to do data entry and call center work. I had done bits and pieces of each job here and there while in other roles, but they were never my main jobs like this would be. I was hired because I knew the owner of the business through a networking group we were in together. It wasn't so much about her knowing me as well. It was also because she liked me, trusted me, and knew that we had respect for each other as business owners. When she interviewed me for the position, she said to me, "Ashley, I have over 200 resumes on my desk for the positions I'm looking to fill and I would rather hire you because I know you, I trust you, and I know the kind of person you are and you will do a good job. I know you will do well once you are trained to use our system." 

I will never forget her saying that to me. In fact, I beam with pride every time I think about it. It makes me proud of who I am and boosts my self-confidence. And that fact about myself will keep me working for her for a long time. I'll admit there were a few hiccups in my training when I first got started, but she was amazing and willing to be patient with me while I learned.

Never doubt that new skills can't be learned. Anyone could do any of the jobs I've had before, but they hired me because of my attitude toward them. They hired me because of my willingness to learn new skills and my desire to do a good job. 

That's exactly how I am approaching my future as a recruiter. I don't necessarily have any experience (aside from what I've done for my own businesses), but I am more than willing to learn this highly valuable skill and I genuinely want to do a good job and for clients to be satisfied with my work... satisfied enough to even tell other people.

That's why I'm asking you to take a chance on me with recruiting. I may not be flawless at it. I have no references (as of this writing) to speak of. However, I am determined to learn what I need to learn and to work with you until you are satisfied with my work... and I know you will want to tell others about me, too. 

P.S. Patient bosses are the best bosses.