Should You Hire a Generalist or a Specialist? Here’s How to Decide
Hiring the right person isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about making a strategic decision that impacts your business growth. One of the biggest hiring dilemmas? Generalist VS Specialist.
Both types of employees bring unique advantages, but making the right choice depends on your company’s needs, current team structure, and long-term goals.
So, how do you decide? Let’s break it down.
The Case for Hiring a Generalist
Generalists are versatile, adaptable, and problem-solvers. They thrive in dynamic environments and can quickly pivot to different responsibilities.
Best for:
Startups & Small Businesses: When resources are limited, generalists can handle multiple roles.
Cross-functional Teams: A generalist can bridge the gap between departments.
Fast-Changing Industries: If your industry is evolving quickly, a generalist can keep up without constant retraining.
Example:
A tech startup with a lean budget hires a generalist marketing manager instead of a full marketing team. This person manages social media, content marketing, and email campaigns, ensuring all marketing efforts run smoothly without hiring multiple specialists.
How to Hire a Generalist Successfully:
Look for strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in their experience.
Assess their ability to learn quickly rather than just past job titles.
Prioritize soft skills—generalists need to communicate effectively across different roles.
The Case for Hiring a Specialist
Specialists are highly skilled experts who bring depth and precision to a specific area. They are masters of their craft, capable of producing high-impact results.
Best for:
Established Businesses: When you need advanced expertise in a particular function.
Highly Technical Roles: Positions that require in-depth industry knowledge.
Scaling Businesses: If you want to optimize one area for maximum efficiency and ROI.
Example:
A law firm struggling with online visibility hires an SEO specialist instead of a general marketing consultant. The specialist optimizes their website, improves rankings, and increases organic leads—a targeted, revenue-driving approach.
How to Hire a Specialist Successfully:
Look for proven expertise and measurable achievements in their niche.
Assess their depth of knowledge with specific case studies or work samples.
Ensure they fit into your team—specialists still need collaboration skills.
How to Make the Right Decision
Still unsure whether to hire a generalist or a specialist? Ask yourself these key questions:
What’s Your Biggest Hiring Pain Point?
Do you need a problem-solver who can handle various tasks? → Hire a generalist.
Do you need deep expertise to solve a specific problem? → Hire a specialist.
What’s Your Long-Term Business Goal?
Generalists help businesses stay agile and adapt quickly.
Specialists elevate a particular function to a high level of performance.
What’s Your Current Team Structure?
If your team is full of specialists, a generalist leader can connect the dots.
If your team is generalist-heavy, a specialist may help level up key areas.
Need the Right Hire?
Finding the perfect fit for your team doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Riverway, we take the stress out of hiring and connect you with top-tier talent—fast.
Why Work with Us?
We have top talent ready to solve your business challenges.
Skip the tedious hiring process—we handle it for you.
We know how to get top candidates to say YES to your offer.
60-day guarantee to find the right person for your team.
At Riverway, we find the right person for the right job. Contact us to talk about how we can help you find top-tier talent today.
