In a powerful lesson for recruiters and job seekers alike, a prominent entrepreneur has revealed how he hired a candidate with zero prior work experience and a resume that was just two lines long. Steven Bartlett, the entrepreneur and host of the popular 'The Diary of a CEO' podcast, shared the story on LinkedIn, where it quickly went viral, resonating with professionals worldwide.
The Candidate Who Stood Out Without a CV
Steven Bartlett's post began with a striking statement: "I hired someone who’s CV was two lines. Their experience was zero." The candidate, a woman, lacked the traditional credentials that typically land an interview. However, from the moment she entered the building, she displayed exceptional character. Bartlett noted a simple but telling act: she thanked the security guard by name on her way in.
During the interview itself, her approach was refreshingly honest and proactive. When faced with questions she couldn't answer, she didn't bluff. Instead, she stated, "I don't know that yet, but here's how I'd figure it out." This demonstration of self-awareness and problem-solving mindset impressed Bartlett immediately.
Going the Extra Mile After the Interview
The candidate's initiative didn't end when the interview concluded. She took the remarkable step of teaching herself the answers to the questions she had missed and then emailed those detailed responses to Bartlett. Furthermore, she sent personalized thank-you notes to everyone involved in the interview process.
For Bartlett, these actions were clear indicators of invaluable traits: emotional intelligence, a strong work ethic, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to learn. His company places a high premium on these qualities, which he argues are far more predictive of success than a list of previous job titles.
A Hiring Philosophy That Prioritizes Character
Reflecting on this successful hire, Bartlett emphasised a crucial shift in hiring philosophy. He argued that decisions should prioritise traits that are difficult to teach. Technical skills, software proficiency, and industry knowledge can often be acquired with training. However, core character attributes like integrity, ambition, empathy, and a genuine care for one's work are inherent and much harder to instil.
"Attitude and cultural fit matter far more than formal education or experience," Bartlett concluded, drawing from his years of building teams. "It is far easier to train skills than to instil drive or values." The woman he hired on this basis proved his point, becoming one of the strongest and most exceptional employees he has ever had.
The viral LinkedIn post sparked a wave of agreement from the professional community. Users echoed Bartlett's sentiment, with comments like, "Willing to learn quickly + good attitude have been some of the best co-workers and employees I've ever had," and "Skills can be taught. Character, curiosity, and respect can't, and they're what actually scale teams." Another user succinctly noted, "Character shows itself in small, observable behaviors. Those signals predict contribution far more reliably than credentials ever will."
This story serves as a potent reminder for employers to look beyond the paper CV and for job seekers to showcase their intrinsic character, proactive nature, and soft skills, which can often be the ultimate differentiator.
