Unnecessary so called "essential" job requirements and employers not giving candidates a fair go

Recently becoming an employer has had me thinking about my days as an employee and what made great employers, great and the bad, bad.

The main theme that came up upon reflection was the support to grow.

To try, fail, learn and try again.

I've experienced myself personally and have seen it over and over again in law firms I have worked at and with.

They don't look past the persons CV or work experience. If you get the job, that's the job you'll do until the day you leave (despite the empty offers for career progression at the interview).

Employees of your business have so much more to offer than their competency to fulfil the jobs basic tasks.

They bring with them their life experience, wisdom, unique perspective and personality.

Next time you're qualifying candidates consider whether some of your "essential requirements" are really that "essential". My bet is a switched on person could learn it in a matter of weeks.

Believe me when I tell you, I have seen the difference between teams who have been brought together purely based on academia or qualifications and those brought together based on attitude, character and a shared goal.

Here's to being more open minded and giving employees a chance to grow, try, fail, learn and try again.