September 13th, 2023

In the realm of hiring and building a strong team, the importance of adding a personal touch cannot be overstated. Over the years, I've come to appreciate that during interviews, candidates who take the initiative to connect on a personal level often stand out significantly from the rest of the applicants. It's a testament to the power of forging genuine connections even in a professional context.

When I first started building the company and decided to hire for the first time, I was flooded with applications. The role was for a social media manager, and there were hundreds of candidates from all over the world. One application in particular stood out to me. It wasn’t some bland cover letter, but instead a quick intro about the candidate, with screenshots of some of her best work and a shortlist of funny qualifications– “I’m funny, a dual citizen, love fashion, know an embarrassing amount about Star Wars, and wrote a satirical biweekly newsletter during lockdown.” And yes, she attached the fun yet personal newsletter directly to the email. The candidate also mentioned that she noticed we had both lived in New Orleans, which of course sparked my interest. When we got on the call, she made an effort to form deeper connections and learn about me as a person rather than just the job and its responsibilities.

This personal touch not only showcased the candidate's interpersonal skills but also revealed their authenticity and genuine interest in the team I wanted to grow. It set her apart from other candidates who had simply rehearsed their responses to common interview questions.

It is no surprise I decided to hire the candidate, and she went on to become an invaluable member of our team– and in fact, she’s still here. The entire experience reinforced my belief that adding a personal touch during interviews is not just about making a good impression but also about identifying candidates who are not only qualified but also a cultural fit and potential long-term assets to the team.

The lesson here is that in the world of recruitment, building personal connections during interviews can help you discover genuine and passionate individuals who can elevate your team and contribute to your organization's success. It reminds us that hiring is not just about finding the right skills but also about finding the right people who share your values and are committed to making a positive impact.

On the flip side, when you find yourself in the interview seat next time, my advice would be to try to find common connections with the person interviewing you. At the end of the day, we're all human, and we're all looking to work with a team that we can not only rely on but enjoy working with and learning from. Take the time to do your research and talk about things that you would only know after a deep dive.

Stay inspired,

Sydney Addis