Employers Value More Than Your Experience

24 November 2025

Employers Value Your Potential Not Just Your Experience 

Hidden biases are common in job interviews, with employers often influenced by affinity bias, confirmation bias, stereotype bias, and the halo/horn effect. However, there is one lesser known bias that may be even more insidious: Potential Bias.

The unconscious, automatic, unintentional and often unexamined biases that manifest in employers give them a ‘gut’ feeling about the candidates they interview.  This sees them inadvertently preference individuals who have similar backgrounds to them, or make assumptions based on factors like age, gender, or ethnicity.  Many employers now take active steps to strive for objectivity, but these ingrained patters still tip the scales in subtle ways.

But what makes the Potential Bias particularly challenging is that, even when employers become aware of it, they can easily justify it. It can seem reasonable to prefer a candidate who appears to have more future potential over one with a wealth of experience. This means that simply having extensive experience may not give you the edge you expect in a job interview.

To stand out, you must demonstrate not only your experience but also what you will contribute to the future of the role. Employers want to see how you will grow, develop, and expand your capabilities. To counteract their unconscious leanings toward potential, be explicit about how you will continue to add value.

To highlight your potential, incorporate these four elements into your answers:

• Growth Mindset: Discuss your willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Share how you creatively adapt past solutions to new problems.

• Transferable Skills: Illustrate how you have leveraged qualities like connection, leadership, camaraderie, and emotional intelligence—and how you will bring these strengths to the new role.

• Self-Awareness: Be genuine about your strengths and show enthusiasm for stepping into areas of development.

Now, don’t discount your experience. It provides a solid foundation, especially in technical or specialised roles where affinity bias may also be at play. But remember: it’s just as important to showcase your potential for growth and future contributions.

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine