A Big Name on the Resume Isn't Everything

Recently, while working with a law firm client, an interesting case came up during the briefing. They were hiring coordinators, and we heard: "It would be great if the candidate had worked at firms X, Y, or Z."

The temptation is understandable. These are large, well-known, industry-leading firms. But that's exactly where the problem lies.

People who worked at those firms back then were 100% execution-focused. They had never managed anyone. And what this client actually needed was a manager.

This kind of mismatch is more common than it seems.

We see it a lot with startups: they want to bring in someone from a big corporation. But at the corporation, that person only handled one specific piece. At a startup, they need to handle everything.

The reverse is also true. That highly proactive person who thrives in a small environment can feel constrained and frustrated in a larger structure.

Context matters more than brand prestige

It's easy to fall into the "impressive name" trap. But what really matters is how well that experience aligns with the reality of your company.

At Catena, we always emphasize this: credentials count, of course. But context and actual aptitudes count far more.