Don’t Just Hire for Skills: Hire for Potential

Identifying Growth-Minded Candidates Who Can Elevate Your Team

In today’s property market, where competition is fierce and customer expectations are ever-rising, your team is your biggest asset. Yet, many Estate and Lettings Agencies still hire based purely on a candidate’s CV and immediate skills. While experience matters, it’s potential that will truly transform your business.



Why Hiring for Potential Matters More Than Ever


Hiring for potential means identifying individuals who may not tick every box today, but who are eager to grow, adapt, and add increasing value over time. The best property professionals aren’t just order-takers; they’re driven, solutions-focused, and hungry to evolve.

In a fast-paced industry where regulations, technology, and customer behaviour constantly shift, you need people who will grow with your agency—not just maintain the status quo.


The Hidden Costs of Hiring Solely on Skills


  • Short-Term Fixes: Candidates with strong technical skills but low adaptability often plateau quickly.


  • Stagnation: Teams built on 'safe hires' can lack innovation and drive.


  • High Turnover: When there's no scope for development, high performers may look elsewhere.



Instead, consider how a growth-minded hire can impact your bottom line not just today, but 6, 12, or 18 months from now.



What Does "Potential" Look Like in Property Recruitment?


  • Curiosity: Do they ask intelligent questions about your agency, clients, or the industry?


  • Coachability: Are they open to feedback and development?


  • Resilience: How do they respond to setbacks or change?


  • People Skills: Do they naturally build rapport? This is critical in sales and lettings roles.


  • Initiative: Are they proactive in solving problems and learning?


How to Assess for Potential in Your Hiring Process


  • Structure Behavioural Interviews: Ask about past challenges and how they adapted.


  • Set Realistic Role-Play Tasks: Watch how they think, not just what they know.


  • Involve Future Colleagues: Let your team interact with candidates informally.


  • Look Beyond the CV: Some of the best lettings negotiators or branch managers came from retail, hospitality, or even education backgrounds.



Case in Point: Growth-Minded Hires Who Delivered


At Windmill9 Consulting, we’ve placed countless candidates who started with modest experience but high potential. One junior lettings consultant in Birmingham, for example, quickly became a top performer within six months after being spotted for their drive and people-first mindset.


Final Thoughts: Building a Team That Grows With You


Estate Agencies and Lettings Agencies who future-proof their business don’t just hire talent—they develop it. By placing potential at the heart of your recruitment strategy, you build a culture that attracts ambition, retains top performers, and outpaces your competition.



Let Windmill9 Consulting Help You Hire for Growth


At Windmill9 Consulting, we specialise in sourcing high-potential property professionals across the Midlands and beyond. With years of insight in estate and lettings recruitment, we understand the difference the right person can make—not just today, but long into the future.


Ready to build a high-performance team that grows with you?


👉 Contact Us Today!

  • 📞 Call: 0116 232 5181
  • 📧 Email: contact@windmill9.uk
  • 💻 Website: www.windmill9.uk 
  •       Visit The Windmill9 LinkedIn Page


Enquiry form

Back To Blogs