In 2026, Steven Bartlett hired a candidate with 2 CV lines and zero work experience; her simple act of thanking a security guard helped secure the job at his company. Bartlett, founder and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast, said the candidate stood out before the interview had even started. She noticed the security guard, learned his name and thanked him. During the interview, she also admitted when she did not know an answer and explained how she would find it. She later taught herself the answer and sent it to Bartlett within hours. The experience shaped his view of hiring.
