Hiring for Potential: A Trend Worth Celebrating

While it’s absolutely essential to hire highly trained professionals for certain roles (I mean, no one wants someone starting an IV just because they “slept at a Holiday Inn” and pinky swore they could do it), it’s refreshing to see more businesses starting to look beyond resumes and degrees—and focusing on potential.

Yes, there are positions that rightfully require certification and in-depth training, and those standards should never be compromised. But let’s be honest: there have always been plenty of roles labeled “degree required” that really don’t need one. A diploma doesn’t always equal capability—and some of the most driven, adaptable, and teachable people don’t fit the traditional mold.

That’s where potential comes in.

To the employers and hiring managers who are starting to wear their “potential goggles,” I salute you. You're opening doors for people who may not check every box on paper but have the drive, talent, and mindset to grow into outstanding contributors.

Give people a chance. You might be surprised what potential can do.