Why Intellect and Attitude Matter More Than ‘Relevant’ Experience in Hiring

Too many hiring decisions are still rooted in the belief that the best predictor of future success is direct, relevant experience. But as the pace of change accelerates across industries, this thinking can limit growth and innovation.

Recent research from the Harvard Business Review highlights that “learning agility”—the ability to adapt and apply past learning to new situations—is a better predictor of high performance than experience alone. In fact, according to a 2024 McKinsey Global Survey, organizations that prioritize curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking in hiring outperform peers in innovation and resilience.

What should we look for instead?

• Cognitive capability: Can they process complexity and ambiguity?

• Growth mindset: Are they motivated to learn, stretch, and evolve?

• Cultural and values alignment: Will they thrive in your environment?

Yes, experience helps, but in today’s world, intellect and attitude often determine how fast someone can become relevant.