Photo by Cyril Saulnier on Unsplash
“How do you take your coffee?”
It’s a simple question, yet it reveals something powerful: everyone is different. Some like it black, others need cream and sugar. Some go for oat milk, while others opt for an espresso shot. No two coffee orders are exactly the same—and neither are candidates.
In recruiting, this matters. We often focus on qualifications and experience, but what truly drives long-term success is recognizing the uniqueness of each person. Just like coffee, people come with different strengths, motivators, and values. The key is to understand what energizes them and match that with the right environment, team, and leadership style.
A great recruiter isn’t just looking for a resume that fits a job description. They’re asking:
What’s this person’s “coffee order”?
What makes them thrive?
What are their non-negotiables?
When you approach hiring with curiosity and personalization, you’re not just filling a role—you’re creating alignment. And that leads to better performance, stronger retention, and a more human recruiting process.
So next time you’re screening a candidate, take a moment and think: How do they take their coffee?
Because hiring, like coffee, is better when it’s made just right.
Written by: Emily Henion, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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