Workforce shortages continue to challenge businesses across healthcare, construction, IT, education and labour hire. Traditional recruitment methods that prioritise exact experience and technical skill are no longer sufficient in a market where talent is scarce. Increasingly, employers are adopting a more effective strategy: hiring for attitude and training for skill. Across Australia, this approach is helping organisations build stronger, more adaptable teams while addressing critical staffing gaps.

Surematch believes that attitude is often the strongest predictor of long term success. Skills can be taught, but motivation, work ethic and values are far harder to instil.

Understanding the difference between attitude and skill

Skills refer to the technical abilities required to perform a role. These may include qualifications, certifications or specific competencies developed through training and experience.

Attitude, on the other hand, reflects how a person approaches their work. This includes reliability, willingness to learn, communication style, resilience and accountability.

While both are important, attitude influences how effectively skills are applied. A candidate with a positive attitude and learning mindset can often outperform someone with stronger technical skills but limited engagement.

Why skills shortages demand a new approach

Many industries face ongoing skills shortages due to demographic shifts, increased demand and evolving technology. Waiting for candidates who meet every technical requirement can leave roles unfilled for extended periods.

Hiring for attitude allows employers to widen their talent pool. Candidates who may lack certain technical skills but demonstrate commitment and adaptability can be trained to meet role requirements.

This approach reduces vacancy durations and supports business continuity.

The impact of attitude on workplace culture

Workplace culture is shaped by the behaviours and values of employees. Hiring individuals with the right attitude strengthens team dynamics and morale.

Employees who are positive, cooperative and motivated contribute to healthier work environments. They are more likely to support colleagues, communicate openly and take ownership of their responsibilities.

Strong culture improves retention and performance across the organisation.

Training as an investment, not a cost

Training is often viewed as a cost, but when aligned with the right attitude, it becomes a powerful investment. Employees who value learning are more likely to apply training effectively and grow within the organisation.

Structured training programs enable businesses to shape skills in line with their specific processes and standards. This tailored development creates stronger alignment between employees and organisational needs.

Investing in training also demonstrates commitment to employee growth, which enhances loyalty and retention.

Reducing turnover through better alignment

One of the leading causes of turnover is mismatch between employee expectations and role realities. Hiring for attitude helps ensure alignment from the outset.

Candidates who are motivated by the nature of the work and organisational values are more likely to remain engaged. When employees feel supported through training, they develop confidence and commitment.

Lower turnover reduces recruitment costs and supports workforce stability.

Identifying the right attitude during recruitment

Assessing attitude requires more than reviewing a resume. Behavioural interviewing, scenario based questions and reference checks provide insight into how candidates approach work.

Recruiters must listen for indicators such as willingness to learn, accountability and problem solving. These qualities often predict how well a candidate will adapt and grow.

Surematch places strong emphasis on understanding candidate motivation and mindset during the recruitment process.

Supporting supervisors and teams

Hiring candidates with the right attitude benefits supervisors and teams. Employees who are eager to learn and contribute require less correction and integrate more smoothly.

Supervisors can focus on coaching and development rather than managing disengagement. This creates more productive and supportive workplaces.

Teams built on shared values perform more consistently under pressure.

Applying this approach across industries

The hire for attitude, train for skill model is effective across sectors. In healthcare, empathy and communication are essential. In construction and labour hire, reliability and safety awareness matter. In IT, problem solving and adaptability drive success. In education, patience and collaboration are key.

By prioritising attitude, employers can tailor skill development to meet industry specific demands.

How Surematch supports attitude led hiring

Surematch takes a holistic approach to recruitment, focusing on who candidates are as well as what they can do. We work closely with employers to understand cultural fit and performance expectations.

By identifying candidates with the right attitude and supporting training pathways, we help businesses build teams that are capable, engaged and future ready.

Benefits for employers

Employers who adopt this approach experience:

• faster hiring outcomes
• improved retention
• stronger workplace culture
• adaptable and motivated teams
• long term workforce sustainability

These benefits help organisations navigate ongoing workforce challenges.

Conclusion

Hiring for attitude and training for skill is a smarter, more sustainable response to workforce shortages. By focusing on mindset, motivation and values, employers can build teams that grow with the business and adapt to change.

Surematch supports this approach by connecting employers with candidates who bring the right attitude and potential. Through capability focused recruitment, we help organisations overcome shortages and build resilient workforces for the future.