In these unprecedented times, entrepreneurs need all the help they can get. BetaKit has teamed up with Microsoft for Startups on a new series called Just One Thing, where startup founders and tech leaders share the ‘one thing’ they want the next generation of entrepreneurs to learn.
Fatima Zaidi was once hand-delivered a résumé stapled to a bag of tacos (her favourite food), but that doesn’t mean she’s a fan of judging applicants by a piece of paper.
“Find someone with true grit, hustle, and resilience.”
Instead, the co-founder and CEO of Quill suggests that there are specific qualities entrepreneurs should be looking for that can’t often be found on a résumé.
“My advice is, when hiring a salesperson for your small business, or a co-founder, or really any employee during the early stages of your startup, find someone with true grit, hustle, and resilience,” she says in the video below.
Zaidi suggests assignments as a great way to vet for the qualities you’re looking for. “I think assignments are pretty telling to how much work people are willing to do upfront to get their dream job,” she says. “Anybody can talk their way out of an interview.”
A more hands-on approach to hiring can provide those with less experience an opportunity to shine. It was an opportunity provided to Zaidi that allowed her to grow in her career.
“I wanted to implement that when recruiting for my own company.”