The Downside of Seeking ‘Perfect’ Manpower: Why Flexibility is Key

In their quest for top talent, companies sometimes fall into a trap – the pursuit of the unattainable, perfect candidate. This obsession with finding the recruitment equivalent of a “perfect 10” can be detrimental to finding the right people for your workforce.

Why does this happen? Often, rigid job descriptions filled with “must-have” requirements rule the process. This leads to overlooking strong candidates who could be potential stars. The search for that elusive, flawless individual leaves positions vacant and companies scrambling. Meanwhile, valuable manpower opportunities are missed.

Scenarios Where “Perfect” Backfires

Let’s look at some common situations:

• Scenario A: A detailed job description leaves no room for compromise. Time passes, and suitable candidates are rare or nonexistent. One might have the skills but lacks experience, another may have high salary expectations, and still another may simply not fit the company culture. Instead of focusing solely on the “perfect” fit, consider those that could grow in the role with training and development. The investment in the manpower of today can yield outstanding results in the future.

• Scenario B: You land the star candidate; they possess all the desired qualifications. But their very desirability means they’re also in high demand. Before long, they move on to greener pastures, leading to yet another search and a loss of valuable manpower.

• Scenario C: Luck finally strikes! A strong candidate is hired and stays. It happens, but far too infrequently to rely on finding the “perfect” hire every time.

Embracing Potential in Manpower Development

The labor market is competitive, especially in certain fields. Yet, some companies cling to antiquated notions of perfection. This is counterproductive. While experience is important, it shouldn’t outweigh traits like ambition, attitude, intelligence, and motivation.

Successful recruitment firms cast a wider net. They look beyond immediate perfection, seeking candidates with development potential. These applicants may not tick every box but fit the company culture and show a willingness to learn and grow. Investing in their manpower can produce more loyal, dedicated workers.

Shifting Your Manpower Focus

Think beyond “talent” and look for “potential.” While Superman is awesome, he’s fictional. The same is true of absolutely perfect candidates. Adjust your expectations and you’ll discover that potential, when coupled with training and support, is the key to long-term manpower success.