Learning from Google’s Hiring Practices: IQ vs Intellectual Humility

Every business, including digital marketing agencies need to hire employees.  Every business wants to hire a person to not only be an employee, but finding the right fit for the job.  Many of these hires are college graduates.   While book smarts and what is learned in a class room matters, it is often not the main indicator of a potential hire.

Google, the juggernaut of search engines has an interesting method in deciding who to hire.  One thing they weigh over IQ is intellectual humility.  Meaning if you and someone else has a good idea you’re willing to admit and go with the better idea if it is not yours.  Not being arrogant or entitled about your intelligence is key as well.

Personally if you are hiring straight from college often times the pickens are slim in finding a well-rounded candidate.  Often times people think just because they went to college, and are smart, that they deserve the job.  Often times I have observed a feeling of even entitlement from recent college graduates.  The feeling that someone out of college is owed a job, or their dream job, is one that often hurts college graduates right from the start.

It’s more impressive to see someone who has not went to college be successful in marketing or business in general.  You know by their success they are able to deal with everyday problems and adversities.  They can push past adversities and get the job done no matter what the cost.  That’s the kind of experience you want.  Someone who has been in the trenches and came out standing.  A person who not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk.  Often times the greatest teams in business and sports where not all stars.  Each had their own part to play and did so to their best abilities.  So regardless if you’re looking for a new graduate or a seasoned veteran, find the right fit for your business or organization.