A position is open for hire because we need an extra set of hands. Yet we hesitate to risk relying on inexperienced ones.

I would argue that recent grads are hardly inexperienced. They already have 21-28 years of experience behind them. Have they cultivated the foundational skills of perseverance, resilience, active listening, collaboration, receiving feedback, taking initiative, confidence, humility, and empathy?

Foundations are invisible and, therefore, never given credit—but tall buildings couldn’t be tall without strong foundations.

Even if they can’t hit the ground running, do they have a chance at catching up? How long would it take them to catch up? What’s at stake if you didn’t hire someone quickly enough?

Giving novices a chance is an act of benevolence towards both the newly grad as well as your organization—because even though they benefit, you will have to temporarily do double-work until the novice catches up. It is also a sign of humility: willingness to learn and seek transformation from those FAR less experienced than you.

What an incredible story you could have to share at YOUR next interview. A story of benevolence and humility that only an experienced person could share.