If I were the business owner in this situation, I would hire Jaime. While Avery might have more talent and potential when they’re at their best, the lack of consistency is a major red flag for me, especially for an essential role in a business. With Jaime, you know what to expect from him day in and day out. He has shown himself to be a solid, reliable, and consistent performer. In a fast-paced or high-pressure environment, I would rather have someone who consistently gets the job done than someone who you cannot count on when it is time to perform.
That said, there are definitely jobs where someone like Avery might be a better fit. For example, in a creative role like a lead designer at a marketing firm or a high-stakes tech job like developing a new app, having someone who can deliver a brilliant idea or an innovative solution at the right time can be more important than everyday consistency. In these types of roles, those rare, high-impact moments can define success, and Avery’s potential could make a huge difference.
On the flip side, someone like Jaime would be perfect for jobs that require routine and precision, for example, a data entry specialist, customer support representative, or operations assistant. These roles benefit more from someone who shows up and performs well every single day. There’s less room for unpredictability, and consistency is key to keeping everything running smoothly.
While it is tempting to chase the potential of one candidate, I believe that reliability and consistent performance are essential to keep a business operating effectively. Being able to have an employee who you can count on every day is incredibly valuable in today’s environment.
