Why Hiring Is Like Dating: Finding Your Perfect Match in 2025

Recently, our MD Tavis Shearer had a chat on our YouTube channel about something that’s been on his mind – how hiring new talent is a lot like dating. It might sound like a weird comparison, but stick with us here.

When You’re Stuck on Your Ex

You know how it goes – a fantastic employee hands in their notice, and suddenly, you’re scrambling to find someone exactly like them. We see this all the time with our clients. “We need someone just like Sarah,” they’ll tell us. “She was perfect – knew all our systems, got along with everyone, could handle anything we threw at her.”

Here’s the thing though – you’re not going to find another Sarah. Just like you won’t find another ex-partner. And honestly? That’s okay. Actually, it’s more than okay – it could be brilliant for your business.

Why Getting Hung Up on the “Perfect Match” Holds You Back

Think about it – when you’re dating, getting hung up on finding someone exactly like your ex usually means you’ll miss out on meeting some amazing people. The same goes for hiring. I’ve seen companies pass on absolute guns because they were too focused on ticking all these specific boxes from their previous employee.

You might be looking for someone with exactly five years of experience in construction logistics, but there could be a champion candidate with three years in mining logistics who’d bring fresh ideas to your team. Different doesn’t mean worse – often, it means better.

Fresh Perspectives Bring Fresh Success

Just last month, we worked with a client who was dead set on finding a carbon copy of their operations manager who was moving interstate. They wanted someone with the exact same industry background, same years of experience, same management style – the lot.

After a few conversations, we convinced them to broaden their horizons. Know what happened? They ended up hiring someone from a completely different sector who’s now revolutionising their processes. Sometimes the best person for the job isn’t who you’d expect.

What Really Matters in 2025

Here’s what we reckon you should focus on instead:

• • Can they do the core parts of the job?
  • Are they keen to learn and grow?
  • Will they fit in with your team culture?
  • Do they bring something new to the table?

It’s like dating – you might have a “type” on paper, but chemistry and compatibility often come from unexpected places.

Looking Forward, Not Backward

The way we work in 2025 is different from even a few years ago. The skills that made someone a gun employee in 2023 might not be what you need today. Being open to different types of candidates doesn’t mean lowering your standards – it means being smart about what your business needs right now and in the future.

The Bottom Line

Remember, just like in dating, sometimes the best matches come when you least expect them. And if you’re struggling to let go of that “perfect match” mindset? Well, that’s what we’re here for – to help you see the potential in places you might not have looked before.

Want to hear more insights from Tavis? Check out our YouTube channel for the full video on this topic and more recruitment tips.

Why Hiring Is Like Dating: Finding Your Perfect Match in 2025

Mastering Recruitment: Streamlining Your Hiring Processes for Success