‘Wouldn’t work’: Aussie Gen Z boss reveals why she’ll hire someone because of their personality
A young Aussie boss has revealed the viral trend that results in Gen Zers getting jobs others wouldn’t, and what “wouldn’t work”.
At Work
Don't miss out on the headlines from At Work. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Landing a job isn’t just about your skill set, degree, or experience – it can also depend on your personality.
Aussie Gen Z boss Rachael Wilde, who runs the company TBH Skincare, said the candidates who stand out to her are those who can bring a good vibe to work.
In other words, Ms Wilde is an advocate of the “personality hire,” a term that often goes viral on TikTok.
“I think a personality hire is the person in the team that uplifts the energy in the room,” Ms Wilde told news.com.au.
“You know there’s a difference when they are there and there’s a difference when they aren’t in. If you’re constantly making people laugh. You’re a personality hire.”
The 27-year-old boss said she won’t just hire someone just because they have a good personality.
You don’t need 29 class clowns on a social team, but it is a key attribute she’s looking for when hiring for specific roles across her business.
“It depends on the role. If you hired an entire team of personality hires that wouldn’t work. It is knowing which role in the team is right for a person like that,” she explained.
“Whenever I’m hiring a new person for a team with an established dynamic in the team. I look for people I can see working well within that team.”
Ms Wilde has hired people she considers personality hires, and she reckons these workers are perfect for creative teams.
She said that she’ll look at teams that lack “energy” and often introduce a personality hire to spur on innovative work.
Ms Wilde said she’s also very open to letting people be themselves at work and letting their personalities shine through because she wants them to be comfortable in the office.
“I think if someone feels like they can be 100 per cent themselves, they are more invested in their work,” she said.
She also explained that just because someone is known for having a big personality in the office that doesn’t mean they are doing less work than an introvert.
“Chattiness isn’t linked to productivity, and everyone has their own work style, and we make sure everyone’s work style is respected,” she said.
Ms Wilde wants to create a workplace where people can have fun while meeting their deadlines.
“I love hearing laughter and chattiness in the office. To me it is a sign that the team is connected and they like where they are working,” she said.
Corporate leadership coach Michael Marshall said that while the personality hire might be trending on social media, it is actually an important part of any business.
“Great leaders and companies have always hired based on personality. Simply put, all hires should be personality hires. If you don’t know the personality you’re after, you are not ready to hire,” he told news.com.au.
“Your business has a personality, or a DNA based on your company values – that’s your company culture. The best hires are made in the overlap of the individual’s personality and your business’ – that’s the culture fit.”
Mr Marshall said if you don’t hire the right personality at the company, it can lead to working issues.
“Time and time again I’m called into companies where the issues they’re facing have come from poor personality hires – hiring someone that doesn’t fit the culture is almost always detrimental.”
Originally published as ‘Wouldn’t work’: Aussie Gen Z boss reveals why she’ll hire someone because of their personality
Real reason Gen Z ‘can’t cope with life’
Gen Z cops a lot of flack for being snowflakes – and they are, according to Caleb Bond. But is it entirely their fault though?
Single pic proves WFH is dead in the water
In the heart of Sydney’s bustling financial district, a surprising storefront has popped up. Here’s why office workers fear it’s the death knell for WFH.