- October 27, 2025
- Jessica Harling
Hiring the right person is never a simple decision, especially in an industry that blends aesthetics, operations, client relationships, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re recruiting a designer, coordinator, or installer, the question often comes up: Should I prioritize experience or personality?
The answer? It depends, but understanding how to weigh each factor can make or break your team’s long-term success.
The Case for Hiring Based on Experience
Experience is measurable. It’s easy to spot on a résumé: five years with a design firm, a portfolio full of custom drapery installs, or proven expertise in CAD systems. In a fast-paced environment with high-end clients, experienced hires can:
- Hit the ground running with minimal training
- Bring industry insights and vendor connections
- Quickly troubleshoot field challenges
- Elevate the standards of your team’s work
This is especially valuable when hiring for technical roles (like installers or workroom staff) or senior design and operations positions, where knowledge of complex product lines, specs, or workflows is critical.
But here’s the catch: Experience doesn’t always mean adaptability. Someone who’s “always done it this way” may resist new processes or client expectations.
The Case for Hiring Based on Personality
Personality shapes team culture. In a service-driven industry like design and window treatments, soft skills like communication, curiosity, empathy, and flexibility are often what clients remember most. A personality-first hire can:
- Bring a positive, solutions-oriented attitude
- Align quickly with your team’s culture
- Create lasting relationships with clients and vendors
- Grow with your business vision
This approach works especially well for entry- to mid-level roles, like design assistants, coordinators, or junior sales team members. With the right attitude and mentorship, these hires can evolve into high performers, even if they lack direct experience on day one.
However: Hiring purely on personality without structure or growth plans may lead to slower ramp-up times or skill gaps.
So… Which One Wins?
It’s not about choosing one over the other, it’s about choosing intentionally based on the role, team, and business goals.
Final Thoughts: Hire for the Whole Person
In the design and window treatment world, the most successful hires often blend both experience and the right personality. But when in doubt, lean toward potential and alignment, especially if you’re willing to invest in training.
Why? Because you can teach someone how to use a laser level or quote motorized shades but you can’t teach curiosity, kindness, or a team-first mindset.
Experience gets the job done. Personality makes the job worth doing.
By hiring with intention and clarity, you’ll build a team that not only performs, but also stays, grows, and reflects the heart of your brand.
Need help deciding how to hire? We can help! Contact us today for our expertise on the subject.
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