Help! I’m hiring, and it’s down to 2 candidates. One is not as qualified, would require a lot of training, a great fit culturally and brings diversity to the agency. The other is more qualified, still a great fit culturally and wouldn’t require as much training, they were more prepared and I could put them in front of the client tomorrow, but they are non-BIPOC. Both are in the same range salary wise, and my team is SUPER small. Both are great fits, and I am torn. Advice? Please?

likefunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I hate to say this (i’m a poc), but I would go with the immediately qualified candidate - because your qualifier for the other one was “needs a lot of training” rather than something like “needs a little boost” 😬

like

No. Interview more people

like

If your agency is overall pretty white, training the BIPOC candidate is a worthy investment of your time, in my opinion. Adding diverse perspectives to your agency is incredibly valuable to your clients, not to mention it makes your agency a more welcoming and more appealing place.

likesmartupliftinghelpful

This is a tough call. As a POC don’t hire that person if they are not qualified. Everyone needs training to some degree. If you Feel the person can be up and running within a month then go for it, because it will be a step in the right direction. If you’re only considering them because they are BIPOC then you’re making the decision for the wrong reason. And if they can’t perform the job, they will feel resentment from other team members and next thing you know they will feel like they are being targeted as the only non white person.

likehelpful
Recent IconRecent

Why does the BIPOC candidate need more training? Is it because they haven’t been given the opportunity or position of responsibility before? Or they didn’t get the right education? If so then they may already be be the product / victim of systemic racism. If you want to help break the cycle then choose them.

Things will never change if we hire the person who already looks like the one we thought we needed. If you give them an opportunity you’ll be positively altering the trajectory of their career. Think like a human and not just a business.

likesmarthelpful

😂 No. I said who *looks like* the one we thought we needed. Meaning keep an open mind. Cast against type. You might be pleasantly surprised.

like

Which candidate do you think has more potential in the long run if both were given training and opportunities?

like

This is the question.

like

My agency started ignoring “cultural fit” since it could be based off unconscious biases. I’d be more inclined to go with the person who requires less training since you’re hiring for qualification ... maybe you can pass over the other candidate to another team who is looking for someone in a similar role?

like

Yeah! That’s a good point. Thanks.

Sometimes the skills of POC aren’t immediately noticeable but they are there. I imagine you interviewed this person for more reason than they are POC. Does the candidate you think would require more training coming from a different background? Would look at how their skills transfer. Does their resume show deeper skills than they were able to articulate in the interview? Just ask yourself a few questions on how you got this far with a candidate who “requires a lot of training” . Makes me wonder if them requiring a lot of training is bias coming through unconsciously

likesmart

This post sheds light on the inherent bias (unconscious or not) that continues to be applied negatively against candidates of color. While it’s great that she put this question out there for feedback, a significant internal review of fair hiring practices is clearly needed here. In 2021 the fact that this is still a topic of discussion is beyond disappointing.

like

POC here: For the mental health of that BIPOC candidate, go with the non BIPOC candidate. You have mentally already set up the BIPOC candidate for failure with your mentality and narrative that will only lead to a team of whites being highly/overly critical on this person. If that person doesn’t “learn” at the pace you deem they should, you will always have the regret in your mind. This person is not going to get a fair shot to learn, grow, and make mistakes from you or the team. Please don’t hire them. It will be a blessing.

likesmart

I assumed you were white. My response would have been different. But now My question to you is, why are you non BIPOC employees not moving up into leadership positions as well?

How much cultural insight training would the non-BIPOC candidate need to get to the level of lived experience the BIPOC candidate already has under their arm when they walk in the door? You may have to do skills training in other areas, but it sounds like they’re ahead of the other candidate when it comes to the kind of diversity knowledge clients want in the current marketplace.

likesmart

I suggest reframing your qualifications to consider culture "add" and not "fit". If you have 2 candidates, which candidate would bring personality/life experiences/skills/etc. to your team that are not already there? Diversity breeds great creative work, but we often balk at hiring people who will challenge and inspire us to be better/grow bigger and instead default to hiring the people we feel are most like us.

like

I would agree^ You won’t truly know if someone is a great fit culturally until you begin working with them. I would go with the candidate who is qualified for the role. I understand this is a tough decision to make but I think you have your answer, its hidden in your word choice ;)

like

Hahaha! It seems that way.

So do we get an update ?! Haha

like

I hired the not as experienced candidate :)

likefunny

Update: First, thanks y’all for the comments. I’m a POC, and still trying to learn... especially when it comes to hiring. I had never been faced with two superb candidates before. I always had 1-2 positions open, or one really stand out candidate. Grateful we have a community where I can lean on others for perspective. Second, I hired the less qualified candidate :)

likeupliftingsmart

Just went through this.
Lots of training for bipoc hire, but hopefully it’s worth it.
Plus for the other candidate we didn’t really think about - agency experience.
Didn’t realize how much that would make a difference.

like

I would hire the best candidate not just for diversity. Hiring someone who isn’t the correct fit isn’t diversity it is a recipe for disaster.

like

Based on the descriptors sounds like you already know which candidate you’re going to hire

like

What do you mean by not as qualified?

like

Simply put, very little media experience vs 2 years of media experience.

You are hiring a person, not a resume. A candidate who you considered as “not as qualified” is often a) more proactive in conducting their own research to get up to speed, b) enthusiastic and driven to perform well, and c) their capacity to learn and gain proficiency in new software is generally higher. As you know, professionals spend more time with their colleagues than their family and friends - the cultural fit is paramount to the successful on boarding of a new team member. Finally, the hiring of one person is not adequate to bring diversity to a company - one or two token people of color does not make your company an inclusive workplace; this line of thinking is problematic at its core.

like

Hey! Sorry for a delayed response. I’ve read your comments throughout the post and just want to say, thank you. I genuinely appreciate your insight, and calling me (and others) out. I’m actually the only POC at my agency right now. It’s really hard. I had a chance with this new role to change the way our agency has previously hired, and I did.

like

If the first candidate is a better cultural fit and brings diversity to the table, why would you not take the chance on them? The individual could be more malleable when it comes to learning and opens doors for future candidates like them. There are a number of obvious reasons why they are less qualified on paper, but their own lived experiences, knowledge, etc — those all are great factors that make them just as qualified. This is why I don’t believe when agencies say they just can’t find diverse talent.

like

BIPOC is not a qualification. You should hire the person that is qualified, full stop. Affirmative action is about choose the person of color between 2 equally qualified candidates. It is not about hiring unqualified people who only got their job because of the color of their skin - that is discrimination and it is illegal.

like

At no point did she say that the BIPOC candidate was unqualified or that this had anything to do with “affirmative action.” The actual statement was that they had “less” experience in specific areas of the job. Less and unqualified are two different things.

Prioritize diversity. It brings a lot of value to the team, helps them grow, they learn to see things in a different way and, you can give someone the opportunity to train/help develop a jr team member.

like

Related Posts

Special Women Tech Referral drive at LTI.
(Men can aslo apply)
Comment or DM for referral.

Post Photo
like

Can someone provide insights on whats 0,4,8 code projects? Working on 4-code project means less bonus & less hike compared to other projects?

like

I am a clinical research coordinator working in Austin, Texas. I have my Masters in Cell & Molecular Biology and have a year of laboratory research experience.

I’ve been in my position for 5 months now. I make $27 hourly which amounts to about $51,000 yearly. Am I being under paid? Are all coordinator positions hourly? As a laboratory researcher I was salary :(

How do I go about asking for a raise or should I explore other companies or medical schools that have clinical research?

like

The SAP group at my company is an absolute disaster. Any firms out there hiring right now?

like

What's the typical role of a PrEditor either in-house or freelance? A lot of the descriptions sound like it's just a do it all content creator who writes, shoots, and edits.

LexisNexis referral help?? Would love to get in for a sales position.

like

I joined tcs as a fresher, completed 3 years in tcs with A, B and A band in last 3 years.. I will be eligible for role updation to ITA
Any lead will be appreciated

like

TCS HR sent me salary Structure 2 Month back and said will be sharing offer letter Next week. Since then , They are sharing only last week Again came and took screen shot again and now not picking call. It's Been more than 3 Month and they say we are working on your offer letter.
Should I wait for them ?

likehelpful

Hey folks! Got contacted by a McKinsey recruiter for an internal learning role. Thing is…they contacted me yesterday, and my first interview is…today. They also scheduled all three interviews.

Is this normal? I was told they’d just be situational interviews. Any insight?

like

What are some top questions/FAQ about the company/role (benefit specifics, culture, etc.) that candidates would love to be answered during a typical hiring process?

like

LTI is Hiring....!!!

PAN India....!!

Need immediate joiners preferred within 30 days.....!!!!!

If anyone interested for below positions, Please DM me or share resume to 
gupta67222@gmail.com

Oracle MDM :- 3 - 10 Years
Oracle IDAM :-3 - 10 Yrs
Oracle Primavera :- 3 - 10 Yrs
Oracle Flexcube :- 3 - 10 Yrs
Oracle Apps Technical :-3 - 8 Yrs
Oracle CPQ:- 10 - 20 Years
Oracle Cloud Technical:- 3-10 Yrs
Oracle HCM Cloud :- 3-10 Yrs
Oracle Apps DBA :-4 - 10 Yrs
 Oracle DBA :- 4 - 10 Yrs

like

Applied on HSBC website via refferal for BA role; been some days - but seems like the application hasn't moved / no one got in touch either.

Is the process at HSBC from scouting to hiring slow ?

like

When 1 can change project/team within NielsenIQ ? Any specific criteria/duration ?

What should an AD with 5 yrs of experience living in Chicago be making salary-wise?

Hello all,

I attended NIT Nagpur in the class of 2019, presently working as Senior Planning Engineer in L&T.
I'm looking for a change and I'm interested to be a part of Management consulting firm. Would you guys be open to share with me the opportunities about any such role?
Happy to chat more if you have the time. Looking forward to hearing from you.

— Nishant

like
like

I am currently in sales and I hate it. Does anybody know of any good career paths I could pivot to that I could make a decent salary that is not sales?

likefunny

How to you tell your manager you’re leaving? I see her as a mentor and has done much to help my career, but I’m ready to try a new company. (She thinks I’m ready to start her new project next week)
This is my first time moving companies so any tips appreciated!

like

Is it worth it to get a professional certification like SHRM/PHR? Not many of my colleagues have one and it’s not a requirement for my role, but I’m curious if it’s worth it in the long run

like

After on boarding in Pwc sdc will we get training regarding project or how will it be ? Role SA2

like

More Posts

Do you think the military industry is sexist? I met more women in the air force than in other companies and none of them is a very high rank

like

NYC: love or hate?

like

Hey nagarro guys..

Do anybody remember or can share the questions asked in reactjs experience candidates in Tech round 1 and 2 ??

TIA.

like

Who isn't on board with politicians not working as lobbyists for 5 yrs after they serve their country? #findthegood

like

Monday Wordle 527 3/6

🟩⬛⬛⬛🟨
🟩🟩⬛🟨⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

likesmart

I am looking to get into UX/UI. I am a recent graduate (graphic design) but have just been exposed to UX so I am taking classes. Does anyone have any tips or advice for someone just starting out in UX

like

Hiring multiple positions in Tech/Sales at Fintech GRIP.
Having worked at a startup is a plus.

Website
https://www.gripinvest.in/
Location - Flexible (WFH or Gurgaon office)
Perks -Permanent WFH

Interested folks DM or share your resume at prakruthi@gripinvest.in
The detailed JD can be shared later.

Mention notice period and Job role applied in your subject line

Post Photo
like

Is LS boutique to the buy side a viable route? Or is there often intermediary roles?

like

Does anyone else get the "summer time blues "?

like

For those who are WFH: Does anyone else feel like they are working more than they usually do when in the office??

like

Asian food is the best. Might be because I’m Asian and grew up eating it.

like

Is it normal that being in the same position I get paid less than my partner? Even if I brought her into the agency? She has more experience but imo we’re both in the same creative/thinking level.

like

I've been getting a lot of IG ads for Recoop. Has anyone tried it? Reviews?

like

How is Cupertino to live in?

like

Exit opportunities for litigation associates?

like

When do you ask about position comp during interview process?
Initial call with recruiter?
After they say they want to extend an offer?

like

Starting a new role as a lead ux designer in a mid-size b2b product company. This will be my first time leading a 3 people design team for a major feature of the product.

I am always on the agency or consultancy side. Not sure how can I navigate or manage someone who is probably more experienced than me.

Looking for suggestions and tips to survive.

like

I have about 8 years of accounting experience and have been at Morgan Stanley for the past 5 years. I currently do AML Enhanced Due Diligence work on their GFC Advisory team. I love the what I do, I just want to get some experience at another company.
I also care deeply about D&I and am leader on the Black Employee Network Steering Committee at Morgan. Is anybody hiring either AML or Internal Audit Profesionals?

like

Hello! Hiring a Group Account Director for a terrific Minneapolis agency. Relationship-based culture. Great work. Position could lead to equity. Please DM me for details.

like

Additional Posts in Women in Advertising

Not in creative but my previous agency had a fantastic maternity policy.

like

When an agency is asking for x years of experience and you have less how do you gauge if it’s still worth applying?

I’m actively searching & looking for a new strategist position since my current agency is mismanaging not only myself but the relationship with the client. It’s a dumpster fire.

I’m wondering what questions I should look out for and be aware of as I find myself getting past the HR screens pretty quickly.

Also - if your agency is remote or LA based and hiring, feel free to let me know in the comments as well :)

like

Wanna get quick reminder on the sexism in this industry? Try having a conversation about Elizabeth Warren in the politics bowl.

likefunnysmart

I'm feeling so low at work, no respect, no responsibility, no opportunities.

But no where is hiring for my position right now so I can't help but feel hopeless.

Any advice?

like

Hey, thanks for NOT making me feel awkward in the bathroom, as a very andro-looking person! Sure, there are laws to protect me, but I haven’t been told I’m “in the wrong bathroom” ever at work (yet)!

like

Anyone have any insights into working at Amazon Music specifically? Looking for cultural insights on the marketing side of the house. Actively interviewing but these reports I’m seeing about Amazon’s work/life culture are slightly alarming….

like

As a newbie to the industry (1.5 years out of college with ~2 years at my agency), how do I know if I’m being underpaid for my work? Am I just naive to think I should be making more than $45K? Does it ever get better? Lol

like

feeling really down and discouraged lately about how uphill it feels to deal with the sexism in this industry as a creative. it’s been years and awards and major PR… but a book 10x better doesn’t seem to matter as much as being a fellow bro in the room.

like

Im in a junior position, have excellent feedback, work hard. I make very little $. I had 2 job offers and told my current company I couldn’t afford to stay there. They immediately matched. 4 months later I followed up and the timing of the adjustment will now align with the timing cost of living increases for inflation which apparently I’m ineligible for. Should this exempt me from a cost of living increase due the adjusted salary 5 months after we agreed to this?

like

I’ve never made “a book” and want to apply for art director roles. Where do I look for inspiring examples?

like

Anyone else take rejection after a few dates incredibly hard? Feeling like 🔥 🗑 right now ☹️

like

Age 44 and starting to notice a line down my left forehead from sleeping on the same side. Also have sun spots from growing up in the southern hemisphere with little use of sunscreen as a kid but all summer swimming.
Any advice on devices like this or My Skin Buddy?

Post Photo
like

I keep getting told that I need a hobby outside of the house. I work 12 hour days, go to the gym 4 days a week, and am the primary caregiver in the family...

like

Tips for getting out of a quarantine-induced funk? It’s been a tough week...and it’s only Monday

like

Hey fellow fishies! There have been some questions lately about men lurking in this bowl. I’ve reached out to Fishbowl and a rep reassured me that only users who identify as women are allowed access to this bowl. If any men have misrepresented their gender in order to gain access, please flag the user and/or reach out to a bowl leader or Fishbowl support asap! Definitely want to make sure this space remains safe and private so we can continue to share freely 🙏

likeuplifting

We have a feedback type of platform at my work where you can request feedback, and give it.

Your manager is able to see the feedback that you receive... My manager requested feedback from me...

I think one of my friends is being extremely underpaid. She’s the same level as me but has been at the same agency for 5 years. I don’t know how to casually talk to her about it. She deserves more and works very hard.

like

Whelp. I guess it was bound to happen at some point—between stress and sleep deprivation, today I cried the ugly cry at work.

likehelpful

Guy in the office tells female coworker to “make him a sandwich.” It’s clearly a joke, but a dated one. How do you respond? Pick your battles? 🙄

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal