Just today, we had a fascinating encounter with a client who introduced us to a unique approach to recruitment: selecting candidates based on their “elements.” During our meeting, he enthusiastically explained his guiding principle: “If the element is fire, it’s a hire!”

For him, this meant seeking out fiery candidates—those with the passion and energy to light up his team. But he also valued the calm adaptability of water personalities, who can navigate change with ease, and the solid dependability of earth types, bringing stability to the group. Not to be overlooked, air types—the innovative thinkers who inspire fresh ideas—were also on his radar.

This whimsical yet insightful perspective highlighted how cultural fit is just as crucial as qualifications. It became clear that for this hiring manager, matching a candidate’s energy to the team dynamics was key to fostering a harmonious work environment.

As we chatted, we realized this approach isn’t just fun; it adds a fascinating layer to the hiring process. It encourages a deeper exploration of personality traits and work styles, reminding us that recruitment is more than just checking off skills on a list.

If you’re in the recruitment industry, you’ve probably encountered a variety of preferences, but experiences like this one are refreshing reminders of the diverse perspectives hiring managers bring to the table. Have you had similar encounters? Embracing these unique insights can truly enrich our approach to finding the right candidates—because after all...

if the element is fire, it’s a hire!