Hiring - An Evidence-Based Approach (w. Dr. Nita Chhinzer)

Hiring - An Evidence-Based Approach (w. Dr. Nita Chhinzer)

From The HR Hub by WRKdefined Podcast Network

March 24, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Dr. Nita Chhinzer discusses the importance of screening for hidden traits in hiring rather than just technical skills and resumes.

Stop hiring for the wrong things. When you hire, are you actually screening for success, or just a polished resume and a good interview that ticks the experience and credentials boxes? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nita Chhinzer (University of Guelph) who challenged my perspective on recruitment. And as a bonus, what's happening in the market.It turns out, most of us are looking at the wrong things and asking the wrong questions. While technical skills get someone through the door, the evidence indicates that three "hidden" traits actually predict long-term performance: 1. Professional Maturity: Can they handle the sometimes unspoken realities of work?2. Attitude (The Useful Kind): Do they have genuine ownership, are they resilient, or are they just clocking in?3. Feedback Receptivity: Can they hear feedback without becoming defensive? Then will they actually use it to improve? Because if they can't take feedback, they won't grow as much.Ad despite what your client says they want, these three qualities are what they actually want according to the evidence and research. Once the basic skills pass a screening.So what soft skills do you include in your screening? Leave a…

People in this episode

Host: Andrea Adams

Guest: Dr. Nita Chhinzer

Topics covered

  • hiring
  • recruitment
  • soft skills
  • employee performance
  • evidence-based approach

Keywords

  • hiring
  • recruitment
  • soft skills
  • professional maturity
  • feedback receptivity
  • attitude

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Guelph

More episodes of The HR Hub

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The HR Hub podcast page.