Hiring Based on Potential vs. Experience: Which Holds More Value?

When it comes to making hiring decisions, employers are often faced with a critical question: should they invest in fresh talent with potential, or lean on the tried and tested experience of seasoned professionals?

It’s not a straightforward choice. Both come with unique advantages—and challenges. We’ve worked closely with a wide range of businesses, from high-growth start-ups to established industry leaders, and we’ve seen how this decision can shape the future of a team.

The Case for Experience

There’s no denying the value of experience. Candidates with a solid track record bring knowledge, industry insights, and often, a strong professional network. They require less training, can hit the ground running, and are more likely to navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Employers seeking stability and immediate results often favour experienced professionals. For roles that demand specific technical skills or leadership qualities, experience can be non-negotiable.

But is it always the safest or smartest bet?

The Power of Potential

Hiring for potential involves taking a calculated risk—but one that can pay off significantly. Talented individuals who may not tick every box on a job description often bring fresh perspectives, hunger to prove themselves, and a willingness to learn.

Younger professionals or career-changers may lack direct experience, but they frequently bring creativity, adaptability, and a modern skillset. In rapidly changing sectors—particularly digital, tech, and marketing—these qualities can be more valuable than years spent doing things "the old way."

Backing potential can also help build a more diverse and dynamic workforce. It opens the door to candidates from different backgrounds who may have been overlooked due to rigid hiring criteria.

Striking the Right Balance

So, should employers take a chance on someone with potential, or stick with the security of experience?

The answer often lies somewhere in the middle.

Every role has its own demands. In some cases, experience is essential. In others, drive, curiosity, and growth mindset can outweigh a traditional CV. The most forward-thinking employers evaluate more than what's written on paper—they consider attitude, trainability, and alignment with company values.

At Proximity Recruitment, we encourage our clients to look beyond the surface. With the right support and onboarding, high-potential candidates can grow into future leaders—and often at a much lower cost than hiring top-tier experienced talent.

Final Thoughts

Hiring purely based on experience can feel safer, but it can also limit innovation and long-term growth. Investing in potential requires trust, but it often fosters loyalty, agility, and fresh energy within a team.

The smartest hiring strategies combine both: building a solid foundation of experienced professionals while creating space for new voices to rise.