Mismatch Problems When Hiring People

Malcolm Gladwell is working on a book that argues there is a mismatch problem in the way we usually hire people, that we set up qualifications to try and judge how people might perform where what we should be doing is watching them actually perform. Here’s a recent video of him explaining the problem.

The best working relationships I’ve had have started over a meal, preferably at home, where you can get to know each other in a relaxed way, and proceeded to working together on a small, low-risk activity. It might sound like a lot of work compared to the usual interview process, but it’s better than making a bad hire.