Staffing Conundrum

[triplethreat]

Imagine you have two applicants for one counseling position.

Applicant #1: In college, good resume with experience working with kids, went to camp for many years as a camper, BUT relatively uninteresting in the interview (no red flags, just gives short answers and doesn't seem to have much energy, and showed up 20 min late)

Applicant #2: In highschool, resume is limited to a few manual labour jobs, little experience with children, BUT comes across as cute, friendly, interested, and shows some good instincts when answering questions.

Who would you be more likely to hire?

[ARam_Kelp]

I myself am in high school so I may be a biased. I think I would go with applicant #2 if that person put more effort into the interview than it seems logical that person will put more effort into the job.

[prettysocks]

I'm done and done with highschool.... and I'd say #2!

[Smudge]

I am a graduate and i would also say go with person 2. The thing about camp is that it does require you to have energy and be interesting. But also i have an aversion to people being late and if they were late for the interview (unless it was something out of their control) then might well have time keeping issues which can be a problem at camp!

[CampCherith]

I agree that #2 sounds like the best bet. You want someone excited about the position that will give the kids a great summer. #1 may only be applying while looking for something better. There is nothing worse than "filling" a position only to have the person quit at the last minute.

[Jen]

number 2 sounds like me this time last year....and working for camp was amazing and of course I am going again now that I'm in college! 2 is your best bet, because the good instincts and energy will grow. Also, #2 would probably be more eager to learn how to be good at what he/she does. (this is all just my opinion of course)

[these.city.lights]

I agree with Jen.
I had no experience with campers before last year and now I cant wait to go back!

Experience isnt always better over enphusiasm!

[laurathistle]

Triplethreat, imagine you were a camper doing the interview. Who would you pick then? What about if you were a parent? a co-counselor?

Personally, I would pick #2.

[Smudge]

That is a very good point Laura!

[triplethreat]

Wow, thanks everyone.

I had pretty much already made up my mind, but I was starting to second-guess myself. I usually have good instincts but sometimes I don't trust them enough.

Seeing this overwhelming response confirms what I was feeling in my gut. Thank you! :)

[Smudge]

Glad we could be of help!

[CAMPFRIEND]

your gut will find you some of the best staff.. I hope that #2 works well this summer!

[CampCherith]

I hope that #2 works well this summer!

Me too! If #2 doesn't work well you could spend the whole summer in the outhouse! :D