What I got wrong #5

I hired someone based solely on their portfolio because it was immaculate. There were in depth case studies, detailed campaign results... really beautiful work history.

After three months in the role, the work was not landing as I had hoped. I had an uneasy feeling that I had made a mistake. Not because the person lacked talent but because of culture fit.

They were a solo operator in a team environment and their best work always happened in isolation. Whereas our best work happened in collaboration.

I had hired for skill and ignored the chemistry. A brilliant marketer who does not work well with your team is not a brilliant hire. They are an expensive problem, that will be down to you to fix.

Now I interview for how someone thinks and communicates. The portfolio gets them in the room but then the conversation and the rest of the team decide if they stay.

Hire for the team you have, not the CV you wish you had.