Why you should hire people from outside of your industry!
Chris Whatling • November 20, 2023
Here are the top ten reasons why it's important not to limit your hiring to only those with industry-specific experience...

- Fresh Perspectives: Employees from different industries often bring innovative and fresh perspectives that can lead to creative problem-solving and unique solutions to industry-specific challenges.
- Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Diverse experiences can lead to the cross-pollination of ideas from other industries, which can spark new and unconventional approaches to your business processes and product development.
- Adaptability: Candidates from various backgrounds tend to be highly adaptable, as they have navigated change and learned to thrive in different environments. This adaptability can be invaluable, especially in rapidly changing industries.
- Customer-Centric Insights: A candidate with experience in a customer-centric role from another industry can provide invaluable insights into improving your customer service and understanding your clientele.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diverse perspectives encourage more comprehensive problem-solving. Employees with varied backgrounds can approach challenges from different angles, increasing the likelihood of finding effective solutions.
- Skill Transfer: Skills learned in one industry can often be applied to another. For example, project management skills, data analysis proficiency, and marketing expertise are transferable across multiple sectors.
- Cultural Diversity: Hiring employees from diverse industries promotes a multicultural work environment, fostering inclusivity and a richer tapestry of ideas. This can lead to a more dynamic and engaging workplace.
- Market Expansion: Employees with experience in other industries can help your company explore new markets and target audiences, potentially expanding your business beyond your traditional customer base.
- Resilience and Grit: Candidates who have successfully navigated challenging situations or industry transitions demonstrate resilience and grit, which are valuable qualities for handling adversity and driving growth.
- Change Management: Adapting to change is a universal skill in today's business world. Employees with diverse experiences are more likely to excel in change management, making them valuable assets when your industry faces disruption.
Incorporating these diverse perspectives and experiences into your team can foster innovation, promote adaptability, and ultimately contribute to your company's growth and success. While industry-specific knowledge is important, it should not be the sole criterion for hiring.
Embracing a variety of backgrounds and experiences can lead to a more dynamic and resilient workforce.

What.A.Year As we dive into 2025, I’m taking a moment to look back on what was an unforgettable 2024 for The Animal People Recruitment Company . Last year was packed with incredible achievements, new connections, and exciting milestones that cemented our position as a trusted recruitment partner in the pet industry and animal health industries.