OpenAI CEO Altman Says to Focus on Talent Over Experience While Hiring

In a recent episode of "The Twenty Minute VC" podcast, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman remarked value and skill are more important attributes when hiring candidates than considering age alone. He opined that “inexperienced does not inherently mean not valuable.”

What Altman suggests

Suggesting a balanced approach, Altman said, “You want both, and I think what you really want is just an extremely high talent bar of people at any age,” adding that solely focusing on one age group would be "misguided."

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Reality in tech space

Incidentally, fresh graduates report difficulty finding work, citing factors like rising AI applications, tech layoffs, and offshoring, making entry-level roles far more competitive. A recent survey of 750 job seekers in the US indicated these challenges. The survey revealed the fact that a large number of recent passed-out graduates are unable to secure tech positions even with prestigious degrees and internships.

On the other hand, according to a report by Business Insider, middle-aged tech workers feel particularly vulnerable to layoffs being “aged out” of roles. Meanwhile, Gen Z employees are facing issues because of negative stereotyping. 

Notably, "The Twenty Minute VC" podcast interviews the world’s greatest venture capitalists. Sam Altman’s interview might serve as an eye-opener for corporate recruiters. 

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