The recent release of the next-to-last movie in the Harry Potter saga (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I) led me to pondering the classic HR/management question of hiring for “characteristics” vs. hiring for skill/experience.
Three previously inexperienced young stars have carried the Harry Potter movie franchise for a decade
While this might seem an odd linkage, here is my question: If you were responsible for casting (“hiring”) three children on whose shoulders would rest the fate of a potential multi-billion dollar franchise, what would you do — hire based on experience, or hire based on who seemed to have “it” (i.e., “characteristics,” in HR-speak)?
What Kind of Experience (or Resume) Should a 10-year old Have?
How can you determine if actor (candidate) you’re casting (hiring) has it in him/her to grow with the needs of the film series (organization) as it evolves over the next ten years, such as was the task of the Harry Potter producers in casting the three young leads? Continue reading
HR Perspectives 