Ten years of experience is not the same as one year of experience ten times. Make sure you know which one you are getting
The saying “ten years of experience is not the same as one year of experience ten times” is often used to describe the difference between someone who has been doing the same thing for a long time and someone who has been constantly learning and growing.
In the business world, this distinction is especially important. In a rapidly changing world, it’s not enough to just have experience. You need to have the right kind of experience, and you need to be constantly learning and adapting.
Signs of an Experienced Person
There are a few key things to look for when you’re hiring someone with experience as compared to an entry-level role. First, you want to make sure that the experience has both breadth and depth. This may mean that they have worked in different roles or have been exposed to different industries or company cultures. A broad range of experience will give them a deeper understanding of the context of their job and will help make them more adaptable to change.
Second, you want to make sure that they have a track record of learning and growth. This means that they have been constantly learning new things and have been able to apply that knowledge to their work. Look for candidates who have taken on new challenges and who have been able to successfully learn new skills.
Finally, you want to make sure that they are still passionate about their work, rather than just going through the motions. This means that they are excited about the future and that they are still eager to learn new things. Passionate employees are more likely to be engaged in their work and to be more productive.
How to Assess Someone’s “True” Experience Level
So, how do you know if you’re getting ten years of experience or one year of experience repeated ten times? Here are a few questions to ask during the interview process:
- What have you learned in your current role in the last year?
- What are you most passionate about at work?
- What are your goals for the future?
- How do you stay up to date on industry trends?
The answers to these questions will give you a good sense of the candidate’s true experience and their willingness to continue to build on it and learn. If you’re looking for someone with the right kind of experience, someone who is constantly learning and growing, then these are the questions you need to ask.
