Affinity Search Partners’ Post

I had a conversation with a hiring manager last week who said something that stuck with me: "We hire for skills but usually fire for behavior." He was frustrated because they'd just let go of their most technically talented developer—someone who could solve any problem but left a trail of resentment and frustration wherever he went. Meanwhile, their most beloved team member is someone who was a mid-level hire but asks questions, shows up for others, and makes everyone around them better. Technical skills get you in the door. But the things that keep you there—and get you promoted—are the things they don't teach in class: humility, communication, the ability to say "I don't know, but I'll find out." Your code might be brilliant, but if no one wants to work with you, it doesn't matter. On the flip side, if you're a hiring manager reading this: stop overlooking the solid engineer with great soft skills in favor of the expert with an attitude problem. The team will thank you.