Why Inexperienced Workers May Outshine Graduates and Experienced Employees

As businesses and organizations adapt to the ever-changing job market, the question of who to hire, graduates or experienced workers, has become a significant dilemma. Many employers, like myself, have shifted their hiring practices to favor employees who possess the right blend of skills and knowledge, regardless of their past experience. While some might argue that a fresh graduate is overrated, the reality is that inexperienced workers can sometimes outshine graduates and experienced employees when it comes to certain job roles.

Hiring Inexperienced Workers: A Different Approach

As an employer in the trade industry, I have had the opportunity to hire apprentices who started their journey without any prior on-the-job experience. Over six such hires, none of them carried any on-the-job experience, but only one stood out due to his eagerness to learn and not feeling entitled, ultimately staying with the company. Interestingly, out of the rest, only those who had some previous experience were allowed to remain, despite their introduction to the industry being less than ideal.

This experience led me to reevaluate my hiring practices. Recently, I hired a new unexperienced apprentice who had been working as a server when he heard me express a need for help. He offered to come in for free for a month before officially starting, showing a strong willingness to learn and adapt. By the time he started his apprenticeship, he had 1200 hours of practical experience, which made a significant difference in his learning curve compared to the graduates who started their journey earlier but lacked real-world experience.

The Advantage of Inexperienced Workers

The key advantage of hiring inexperienced workers lies in their eagerness to learn and the flexibility they bring to the table. Unlike individuals who have been in the same role for a long time, these new hires can be molded according to the specific needs of the business. They often come in with the mindset of a fresh start, which can be a considerable asset in a rapidly evolving job market.

Less Entitled and Faster Learners

Many graduates feel entitled to high starting salaries or preferential treatment based on their qualification alone. In contrast, inexperienced workers are typically more willing to start from the bottom and prove their worth. They often have the natural inclination to take on more responsibility and learn quickly, which can significantly reduce the time and effort required to train them effectively.

Practical vs. Theoretical Knowledge

Practical experience is invaluable in many industries, but it is often missing in graduates. Skilled employers like myself seek employees who can hit the ground running, and inexperienced workers are often better equipped to learn by doing, rather than relying on theoretical knowledge alone. This hands-on experience can be particularly beneficial in technical roles where job-specific skills are crucial.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Another significant advantage of hiring inexperienced workers is their adaptability. They are often more open to new ideas and processes, which can be beneficial in a constantly changing work environment. This willingness to adapt can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in efficiency.

Challenges Faced in Hiring Experienced Employees

On the other hand, while experienced employees can bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table, they can also pose challenges. When I hired journeypersons or fourth-year apprentices last year, I found that several of them could not answer basic troubleshooting questions that even a second-year apprentice knew when I was their age. This indicates a gap in the training or knowledge acquisition process, which can be frustrating for employers.

Additionally, experienced workers often bring with them certain expectations based on their prior roles. They might demand higher rates without the willingness to adapt or learn new processes, which can impact the overall dynamics of the team. Furthermore, during times of uncertainty, like the Covid-19 lockdown, these workers might be less willing to work overtime or take on additional responsibilities, which can lead to delays in project timelines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while experienced employees bring valuable knowledge and skills to the table, inexperienced workers can often be more aligned with the needs of the job. They are eager to learn, flexible, and can be molded into the specific requirements of the organization. Overseers and employers should consider both candidates based on their unique set of skills and potential, rather than relying solely on their past experience or qualifications.