Unlocking Potential: A Recruiter’s Guide to Spotting It and an Employee’s Guide to Fulfilling It
Potential. It’s that magical word sprinkled over resumes and whispered in boardrooms. Employers claim they want it, candidates say they have it, and recruiters like me? Well, we’re often the ones tasked with unearthing it like archaeologists digging through a desert of generic CVs.
But what is potential, really? It’s not just a buzzword or a LinkedIn hashtag. Potential is the spark of possibility—the ability to grow beyond current circumstances and smash expectations. It’s what transforms an average hire into a game-changer or a promising career into a standout legacy. Spotting and fulfilling potential, however, requires more than intuition. It’s an art, a science, and a little bit of luck.
Let’s break it down: how can employers find hidden gems? And how can you, as a professional, become the polished diamond they simply can’t resist?
Employers: How to Spot a Diamond in the Rough
It’s no secret that recruiting for potential is often a gamble (particualy if you have a poor recruitment process). But with the right approach, you can minimize the risk and maximize the reward:
1. Look for Patterns of Growth
A standout CV isn’t about job titles or company logos; it’s about upward movement. Has the candidate taken on more responsibility over time? Are they showing a hunger to learn and evolve? Growth beats stagnation every day of the week.
A standout CV isn’t about job titles or company logos; it’s about upward movement. Has the candidate taken on more responsibility over time? Are they showing a hunger to learn and evolve? Growth beats stagnation every day of the week.
2. Assess Reflective Abilities
As George Abraham said recently when he joined me on The Building Talks Podcast, the ability to reflect and grow from feedback—without attaching emotion—is a hallmark of high-potential candidates. Look for those who are curious, coachable, and resilient.
3. Don’t Be Blinded by Polish
AI-generated cover letters are flooding inboxes faster than spam emails offering free holidays. But while these documents might dazzle on the surface, it’s the substance underneath that matters. The best talent doesn’t need AI to exaggerate their experiences—they’ve got tangible wins, real-world results, and the scars to prove it.
AI-generated cover letters are flooding inboxes faster than spam emails offering free holidays. But while these documents might dazzle on the surface, it’s the substance underneath that matters. The best talent doesn’t need AI to exaggerate their experiences—they’ve got tangible wins, real-world results, and the scars to prove it.
4. Check Their Motivation
Potential thrives in the right environment. Are they here to grow, contribute, and make an impact, or are they simply chasing a paycheck? A candidate’s genuine motivation often determines how far they’ll go in your organization.
Potential thrives in the right environment. Are they here to grow, contribute, and make an impact, or are they simply chasing a paycheck? A candidate’s genuine motivation often determines how far they’ll go in your organization.
Top Tip: Craft interview questions that dig deep into these areas—then compare candidates’ responses. You’ll be amazed at how clearly the diamonds stand out.
Employees: How to Fulfill Your Potential
Potential isn’t just a nice word to slap on a CV. It’s something you need to actively pursue. Here’s how to make sure you’re on track to being the superstar your CV claims you are:
1. Embrace Feedback Without Fear
As George Abraham wisely noted, feedback is a gift. Leave your ego at the door and take every piece of advice as an opportunity to grow. The fastest way to unlock your potential is to learn from your mistakes (and yes, we all make them).
As George Abraham wisely noted, feedback is a gift. Leave your ego at the door and take every piece of advice as an opportunity to grow. The fastest way to unlock your potential is to learn from your mistakes (and yes, we all make them).
2. Master Your Craft
Want to be the Martin Ødegaard of your field? Then you need to go all in. Ødegaard didn’t become Arsenal’s captain by casually kicking a ball. He trained, adapted, and worked tirelessly. The same goes for your career. Master your craft, whatever it is.
Want to be the Martin Ødegaard of your field? Then you need to go all in. Ødegaard didn’t become Arsenal’s captain by casually kicking a ball. He trained, adapted, and worked tirelessly. The same goes for your career. Master your craft, whatever it is.
3. Find an Employer Who’ll Challenge You
A good employer will push you out of your comfort zone and give you the tools to thrive. Look for companies that invest in mentorship, training, and opportunities to grow.
A good employer will push you out of your comfort zone and give you the tools to thrive. Look for companies that invest in mentorship, training, and opportunities to grow.
4. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Take on challenging projects, solve tough problems, and stretch yourself. That’s where the magic of potential lies.
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Take on challenging projects, solve tough problems, and stretch yourself. That’s where the magic of potential lies.
Top Tip: Remember, your potential doesn’t live in the safety of your comfort zone—it lives in the chaos of the unknown. Get out there and embrace it.
The Stats on Potential
Here’s some food for thought:
- Only 15% of employees globally feel engaged at work, according to Gallup. That’s a lot of untapped potential.
- High-potential hires, when properly supported, outperform their peers by 91%. (Source: Gallup)
Moral of the story? Investing in potential—whether as an employer or an employee—pays off in spades.
The Ødegaard Analogy
Martin Ødegaard’s journey offers a masterclass in fulfilling potential (Football player, in the English Premier League). Signed by Real Madrid as a teenager, he faced setbacks and challenges before finding his groove at Arsenal. Now, as the captain, he’s a shining example of how resilience, adaptability, and the right environment can unlock greatness. (As a Man United fan, I wish I could pick a United player to refer to as an example, but alas….)
Takeaway: Just because someone didn’t thrive in one environment doesn’t mean they’re not destined for success elsewhere. It’s all about the right fit at the right time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an employer hunting for hidden gems or a professional striving to be one, remember: potential is about growth, grit, and opportunity. Employers need to invest in talent, and employees need to seek environments that challenge and support them.
Over my 20-year career, I’ve seen it all—those with raw potential who became stars and those who never quite found their groove. Spotting and nurturing potential is my bread and butter. So, if you’re looking to hire the stars of tomorrow or want some honest advice on unlocking your own, reach out.
Your potential awaits—go get it!