Internal vs. external hiring?  That’s one of the toughest decisions that organizations must make when new job openings or opportunities arise.  While you want your staff to know that their professionalism and dedication may lead to an advancement or a new role in the company, there are instances when hiring from outside can greatly benefit for your organization.

Consider these three factors to help you decide when to look outside your business for new hires:

1. New Skills Needed

As businesses grow and industries evolve, so does the need to create new positions for responsibilities and tasks that do not currently exist in an organization.  Existing staff may have robust experience in their current role and plenty of knowledge of your company culture; however, they may not possess the unique skills required to perform in a brand-new position.  It may require intensive training and a longer learning curve for an existing employee to transition into a new role.  It is also hard for people to unlearn habits they have formed, and they may bring with them those habits which fit their current job but not their new job.  And, just because a person is a good fit for their current role, it doesn’t guarantee that they will be a good fit for the new role. 

Casting a net for experienced external job seekers allows your company to find a qualified candidate who can step into this role and hit the ground running.  Though they will require onboarding and time to familiarize themselves with the company culture, an experienced external hire for a new role could be more efficient and productive from the start than an internal hire. 

2. New Training Needed

For open positions in some industries, it may make sense to train a new hire from the ground up.  Some existing employees welcome the challenge to learn something new, but there are many more who are not comfortable with a dramatic shift in job requirements.  Take this opportunity to seek an outside hire who is interested in a career change or wants to begin their professional career in your industry.  Their willingness to dive into training and integrate themselves in the organization may benefit your company more than an internal hire who is not comfortable or fully committed to new pursuits.  

3. New Perspectives Needed

Established companies with a veteran workforce may run like clockwork - but they may also be out of fresh ideas or unable to step outside their surroundings and look at things from a different perspective.  Welcoming a new face to the organization can help.  In addition to their own experience, external hires bring new ideas and fresh perspectives.  Plus, they’re not beholden to long-established company policies, procedures and processes, which may make them more accepting of business change and growth.  Their new ideas and fresh perspectives may also motivate current staff and help the company pave new, exciting paths. 

Additionally, an open position may be just the right time to make your organization more diverse and inclusive.  Consider working with a staffing agency like Elite Personnel to reach a larger pool of job candidates with diverse backgrounds.   Expanding the diversity of your existing team is a great way to bring new viewpoints to the table.

If your company is considering hiring externally for a newly created role or to fill an existing position, our staffing experts are ready to help!  Matching companies with the right candidates is what we do best.  Let us find your next great match!