Diary of a CEO founder says he hired someone with ‘zero’ work experience because she ‘thanked the security guard by name’ before the interview

Diary of a CEO founder says he hired someone with ‘zero’ work experience because she ‘thanked the security guard by name’ before the interview

Updated: 2026-01-08T16:47:06Z

Diary of a CEO founder says he hired someone with ‘zero’ work experience because she ‘thanked the security guard by name’ before the interview

Diary of a CEO founder says he hired someone with 'zero' work experience because she thanked the security guard by name before the interview

A recent episode of Diary of a CEO, a popular podcast featuring entrepreneurs and business leaders, has sparked debate about what really matters in hiring. Host Steve Bannon spoke with CEO Simon Middleton, who revealed that he had once hired someone for their company with 'zero' work experience. What caught our attention was the reason behind this unconventional hire.

According to Middleton, it wasn't a stellar resume or impressive references that won over his heart - but rather an unexpected display of kindness and social awareness during the interview process. He explained that the candidate had gone out of her way to thank the security guard by name before entering the office, which left a lasting impression on him.

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but I think that said something about this person's character," Middleton told Bannon. "They didn't just show up and sit in front of me - they actually took an interest in the people around them."

While some might argue that this was a superficial reason to hire someone, others see it as a refreshing change from the usual interview format. We've all heard horror stories about candidates who only care about themselves and don't show any interest in their potential colleagues or workplace.

We'd love to know: what do you think really matters in an interview? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #HiringWithHeart!

  • Would you hire someone based on a single impressive characteristic, or would you want to see more of their skills and experience?
  • Can kindness and social awareness make up for lack of work experience in the long run?

We're curious to hear your thoughts! In the meantime, we've got some great products that can help you make a good impression at your next interview or networking event - check out our top picks below:

  • Meross HomeKit Smart Ambient Light,WiFi LED Night Light for Bedroom
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  • 1Pair Rear Left&Right Shock Absorber Struts Assys for Lincoln MKZ 2013-2017

We hope you enjoyed this article! Let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions on what topics you'd like to see covered in the future.

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