Beyond the CV: Ada Mazurek on Hiring for Character Over Skills

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ada Mazurek challenges conventional hiring practices, advocating for a shift from focusing solely on skills to prioritizing a candidate’s intrinsic drive and character, as demonstrated by their actions outside of work. Mazurek suggests that observing how individuals spend their time on a “Sunday morning” can reveal more about their potential than a resume alone.

“STOP hiring for skills!! START hiring for what they do on Sunday mornings.”

Mazurek’s core argument is that while skills can be taught, fundamental character traits—such as initiative, passion, and resilience—are innate and cannot be easily cultivated. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, where adaptability and a proactive approach to learning are paramount.

The Unteachable Qualities

The post highlights several examples from Mazurek’s own team to illustrate this point. Mazurek points to a project manager whose background in triathlons and demanding film sets demonstrates an ingrained ability to perform under pressure, a trait developed through experience rather than formal training. Similarly, a lead designer’s dedication to personal, passion-driven projects outside of work is presented as evidence of a creative obsession that translates directly into high-quality professional output.

“My lead designer builds things on weekends that NOBODY ever sees. Personal projects. Pure creative obsession. That same energy shows up in EVERY SINGLE DECK she touches.”

Another example includes a strategist who independently leads a community group, showcasing initiative and consistent commitment. Mazurek argues that these behaviors are mirrored in their professional roles, suggesting a direct correlation between personal drive and workplace performance.

Hiring in the Age of AI

Adaptability and Proactivity

Mazurek further emphasizes the importance of this hiring philosophy in the context of artificial intelligence. As AI continues to reshape industries and required skill sets, Mazurek contends that the most valuable employees are those who are already naturally curious and proactive in adopting new tools and ways of working, even before they are mandated by their employer.

“And in a world where AI is changing everything we build, the tools, the speed, the expectations, I need people who are already moving with it before I ever ask them to.”

The post poses direct questions to potential candidates about how they spend their time when unprompted and whether they engage with new tools like AI in their personal lives. According to Mazurek, individuals who demonstrate self-motivation, a continuous pursuit of learning, and a proactive stance towards technological advancements are the ones who elevate the performance of the entire team.

Building a Great Team

Concluding the post, Mazurek reframes the concept of team building not as finding candidates with the best credentials, but as identifying individuals with inherent greatness and providing an environment where that potential can flourish. This philosophy underscores a belief in nurturing talent from within, based on a deeper understanding of a person’s character and intrinsic motivation.

“You don’t build a great team by finding great candidates. You build it by recognising great people, and giving them a place where that greatness has space to grow.”

Mazurek’s insights offer a compelling perspective for leaders seeking to build resilient, innovative, and high-performing teams in an ever-changing business world.