Why the “Perfect fit” doesn’t exist—and what to do instead
Hiring senior HR talent and driving HR transformation shouldn’t feel like chasing unicorns. Yet for many organisations, that’s exactly how it plays out—especially when the myth of the “perfect fit” clouds decision-making from the outset.
One phrase that continues to stall hiring progress: “We’re just waiting for the perfect fit.”
It’s a reassuring idea—that somewhere out there is a senior HR leader who ticks every box, mirrors your values, and will transform your organisation effortlessly through strategic leadership recruitment. But in today’s fast-moving environment, the notion of a flawless, pre-packaged hire isn’t just unrealistic—it’s actively holding you back.
At re:find, we help companies break free from this mindset and connect with leaders who drive meaningful, measurable change through executive search focused on HR transformation and organisational development.
The “perfect fit” myth is holding you back
1. You’re overlooking the real reasons hires fail
Most bad hires don’t fail because of technical shortcomings. According to a Talent Survey, a significant proportion of hiring failures stem from poor attitude, lack of emotional intelligence, and low motivation—not a lack of qualifications.
Despite this, many businesses continue to assess candidates almost exclusively on experience and hard skills.
2. You’re risking expensive mistakes
Hiring the wrong senior leader through poor executive search processes doesn’t just impact performance—it can be financially crippling. The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) found that 85% of HR leaders have made a bad hire, with the cost of poor recruitment decisions reaching up to three times the individual’s annual salary.
3. You’re limiting innovation by hiring for “fit”
Cultural fit is often misused as a shorthand for conformity. But hiring people who “blend in” too well can restrict innovation and lead to groupthink.
According to McKinsey, ethnically diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their peers financially. Prioritising “cultural add” over “fit” enhances diversity of thought and drives stronger business outcomes.
For deeper insight, HR Heads explores how an overemphasis on cultural fit can limit innovation.
What you should be looking for instead
To future-proof your leadership team and lead successful HR transformation, stop chasing perfection. Start seeking candidates who bring the following qualities:
- Transformation capability
Have they delivered meaningful organisational change within a workforce transformation context? The leaders who succeed today are those who can operate in ambiguity, scale transformation, and rally people behind a vision.
- Strategic agility
Today’s HR landscape is fluid. Look for leaders who can pivot rapidly, balance short-term needs with long-term goals, and lead decisively in uncertainty.
- Cultural add, not fit
Ask not “Do they fit in?” but “What strengths do they add that we don’t currently have?” A “cultural add” mindset strengthens your team’s collective capability and sparks innovation.
- Relationship intelligence
In HR, influence is everything. Can this person engage both the boardroom and the frontline? It’s not just about IQ—it’s EQ that often defines success.
The real risk? Waiting for “perfect”
While you’re holding out for a unicorn, your competitors are moving forward with adaptable, high-performing leaders in HR transformation and change management roles.
JobHeron highlights that chasing perfection often results in lost opportunities and slower transformation.
A success story from a global business going through a major HR transformation illustrates this well:
“The brief was very specific, and I was unsure how easy it would be to find the right person. But within a couple of weeks, re:find had identified a strong shortlist. We were impressed with the quality of candidates and ended up interviewing three out of the four people they recommended. It was a really smooth and efficient process.”
If you’re ready to rethink how you approach executive hiring, let’s have a conversation.
There are leaders out there who won’t tick every box—but they might be exactly what your organisation needs to grow.
Visit refind.co.uk to explore our services or book a consultation today.
Struggling to fill a critical role? Need support with hard to find talent? Don’t let it hold your business back.
Contact our Managing Director James Cumming at re:find today to discover how we can help you find exceptional talent, fast.
Visit refind.co.uk or call us on 0121 314 0350 to schedule a consultation. Let’s take the stress out of recruitment and get your team back on track.
