We all have a wish list of what the “ideal candidate” will be for every job we are looking to fill. What we must realize is that just because someone doesn’t come from a well-known shop doesn’t mean that they aren’t a good and viable candidate for the position. We often snub our noses at folks who don’t have BBDO, Crispin, Chiat Day, Goodby Silverstein, or Arnold on their resumes. What we don’t realize is, if we look below the surface, we can find folks just as qualified at smaller, lesser-known shops.

If you look at how Crispin was started back in the mid 60’s, it wasn’t a “hot shop” until a few years ago. They didn’t become such a prestigious shop by requiring that folks have the perfect pedigree. They became successful by recognizing talent. They looked beneath the surface. The really cool thing about Crispin is Alex Bogusky didn’t come from a pedigreed background, so he appreciates the hidden talent in folks from smaller, not-so-hot shops. That makes them successful.

When searching for the best candidate, look below the surface…first looks can be deceiving. When you look for pedigree, you run the risk of getting arrogant, and we all know that arrogance can sink your sailing ship. So stop looking for the unicorn or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, because it’s much easier to find quality candidates that are just as talented and even more humble at smaller shops.