Job Seeker vs. Hustler: Who Should Employers Really Prefer?
By Max Dougé, Senior Business Development Specialist
In today’s dynamic job market, employers are constantly challenged to find the right talent; not just people who can do the job, but people who will drive the business forward. In interviews, resumes, and networking circles, two types of candidates often emerge: the job seeker and the hustler.
Both bring value, and both can thrive under the right circumstances. Which one should you prefer as an employer? Let’s unpack the difference and explore what makes each one tick, and which might be better suited for your team.
A job seeker is someone actively searching for a role that aligns with their skills, experience, and goals. They often follow traditional career paths, bring a polished resume, and fit well into established processes. They’re motivated by stability, growth opportunities, and clarity in job responsibilities. Typical traits include:
Goal-oriented with defined career paths
Detail-driven and reliable
Often seeks security and structure
Values work-life balance
Follows protocol and respects hierarchy
A hustler, on the other hand, is scrappy, entrepreneurial, and action-biased. Hustlers are often self-starters, driven by outcomes over processes, and comfortable wearing multiple hats. They might not tick all the boxes on a resume, but they’ll learn on the fly and figure it out. The hustler’s traits:
Gritty and self-motivated
Thinks creatively and independently
Results-focused over process-driven
Thrives in fast-paced or ambiguous environments
Often views rules as guidelines, not limitations
The pivotal question is “What does your business actually need?”; the answer is it depends.
When to Prefer a Job Seeker:
You have well-defined roles and systems
You need someone to execute consistently within boundaries
You operate in a regulated or compliance-heavy industry
Long-term loyalty and cultural alignment are key
Examples: Healthcare, law, finance, large corporations, operational roles
When to Prefer a Hustler:
You're scaling fast or building from scratch
You value innovation over execution
You need problem-solvers more than rule-followers
The job requires initiative and wearing multiple hats
Examples: Startups, sales, early-stage product teams, marketing, business development
Some of the most impactful employees combine the best of both profiles. They bring the structure and professionalism of a job seeker with the drive and grit of a hustler. These are rare, but worth identifying and nurturing. Look for people with:
Self-taught skills and academic credentials
A history of side projects or freelance work
Growth in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings
A resume and a story
The truth is your business doesn’t need a “job seeker” or a “hustler”; it needs the right person for the role. Don’t fall into the trap of romanticizing hustle or overvaluing tradition. Instead, identify the actual needs of the role and hire the mindset that matches.
And remember that potential can’t always be seen on paper. Sometimes the hustler with gaps in their resume becomes your top performer. Other times, the experienced job seeker brings the steadiness your team needs. Hire for impact, not identity.