Harry Potter, The Recruiter

To run a successful business, you need to a be recruiter that knows how to assemble an outstanding team. This team should be well-balanced, consisting of diverse individuals that possess an array of expertise and new ideas, and think outside the box. You need to consider doers, thinkers, innovators, seasoned pros, and of course, junior pros that show the potential to go from good to great.

One recruiter who has done this right? Harry Potter. Yes, Harry Potter who countless times went up against Voldemort and won. But Harry didn’t do this alone. He recruited a team of loyal allies and friends with various abilities and resources. Here’s who he recruited and how they helped him come out on top.

1. Hermione Granger

“That’s what Hermione does. When in doubt, go to the library.” – A Ron Weasley Endorsement.

Hermione is the brains of the trio. She brings extensive knowledge in pertinent subjects, such as history, potion making, and spell casting. Her intelligence has not only saved Harry’s life many times, it has helped him overcome obstacles that he and Ron alone would not have been able to do. She is also adept at planning ahead, like when she located a safe house and brought all necessary supplies during their immediate hunt for horcruxes. Let’s face it, Harry wouldn’t have made it past Book 1 without Hermione.

2. Ron Weasley

“I’m the sixth in our family to go to Hogwarts. You could say I got a lot to live up to. Bill and Charlie have already left – Bill was head boy and Charlie was captain of Quidditch. Now Percy’s a prefect. Fred and George mess around a lot, but they still get really good marks and everyone thinks they’re really funny.” – Ron Weasley on his family’s extensive network.

Ron is Harry’s best friend and right-hand man. Not only does he provide Harry the comedic relief and friendship he needs, but Ron also offers Harry a big network and an extensive knowledge of the wizarding world. Unlike Harry and Hermione, he’s had a magical upbringing that makes him “street smart.” Ron’s also got talented parents and six siblings connected to all kinds of people and industries, all of whom become Harry’s ultimate support team.

3. Fred and George Weasley

“’You know, I don’t get why Fred and George only got three OWLs each,’ said Harry, watching as Fred, George and Lee collected fold from the eager crowd. ‘They really know their stuff.’” – Harry Potter on recognizing value added beyond the credentials on a resume.

Twins Fred and George can be quite the mischief makers. They pull pranks, run bets, and do average in school because of their lack of interest. However, their mischievousness is a mere side effect to their cleverness and creativity. They give Harry the Marauder’s map, allowing him to move inside and outside of Hogwarts undetected for the greater good. Being masters of making random knick knacks for their joke shop, Fred’s and George’s trinkets serve as weapons for Harry to use against the forces of the Dark Lord. Need shortcuts and quick solutions? These twins have Harry’s back.

4. Neville Longbottom  

“I’ll join you when hell freezes over.” – Neville Longbottom to Voldemort on his firm loyalty to Harry Potter’s team efforts and goals.

Neville starts out as a cowardly underdog, but over time he demonstrates immense loyalty and courage. When Harry told his other friends to stay behind while he goes alone to the Department of Mysteries to save Sirius, Neville stands his ground and fights alongside Harry. When Harry left Hogwarts to hunt horcruxes, Neville re-establishes and leads Dumbledore’s Army against the Death Eaters controlling Hogwarts. Let’s not forget how he killed Nagini, Voldemort’s basilisk, so Harry could go hunt down Voldemort. Way to make the boss look good.

5. Luna Lovegood

“I think they think I’m a bit odd, you know. Some people call me ‘Loony’ Lovegood, actually.” – Luna Lovegood on coming to terms with how school children don’t always value the ability to think outside the box.

Luna Lovegood can often be strange and eccentric, but that is not a bad thing. She perceives things in a different light, therefore noticing things and coming up with solutions others probably wouldn’t have thought of otherwise, which is a great asset to Harry. She is detail oriented, recognizing for example his disguise by just his expression when he is under the polyjuice potion. In addition, she has knowledge of bizarre facts that aids Harry in his missions.

6. Remus Lupin

“So we’ve finally got a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies? – Madam Pomfrey on Remus Lupin’s exceptional talent and aptitude in the Dark Arts.

Professor Lupin is Harry’s favorite teacher, one he can count on during his greatest time of need. His expansive background in Defense Against the Dark Arts is significant to Harry’s continued success. While Harry has initially survived mostly with blind luck or the aid of his friends, it is Lupin who teaches and perfects Harry’s defense spells. As a result, Harry is able to deflect spells, slow down his enemies, and train fellow students to form Dumbledore’s Army.

7. Severus Snape

“My word, Severus, that I shall never reveal the best of you?” – Albus Dumbledore on Severus Snape’s dedication, humbleness, and long term goals for supporting Harry Potter.

Severus Snape has been Harry’s secret weapon and he didn’t even know it. While Snape doesn’t particularly like Harry, Snape’s loyalty to Harry’s mother holds great weight when it comes to Harry’s success and survival. It is not revealed until the end that Snape, a previous Death Eater, has been helping Dumbledore secure Harry’s safety. What has looked like suspicious behavior in the past turns out to be Snape protecting Harry the whole time with his expertise of spells, potion making, and his facade of working under Lord Voldemort. When push comes to shove, you find out who is one your side.

Take your cue from Harry Potter. Recruit your company’s dream team, and as a result, you will change the world.

SmartRecruiters is the hiring platform with everything you need to source talent, manage candidates and make the right hires. Photo Credit Modified 2.bp.blogspot.