It's not the years - it's the mileage

Regarding his own physical, mental, and emotional stress in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones said, "it's not the years, it's the mileage." This statement rings true for experience in the professional world as well. 10 years of experience does not always (or usually) outweigh 5 years of actionable and real experience. In this equation. the professional mileage is more valuable than the total number of professional years.

However, with all this being said, we still look at years experience as a qualifying and sometimes gatekeeping factor when reviewing candidates for jobs and promotions. We will proclaim that someone is perfect for the role because they have 15 years experience. But do we then question exactly what they have done in those 15 years? I hope so.

Once again, what does 3-5 years experience truly convey? On the other hand, 3-5 years of productive and diverse experience in a relevant field, with results to show for it, and throw in some bonus lessons learned...now that carries some weight.

Keep this in mind the next time you are reviewing a resume or considering someone for a promotion. If (and when) you hear that they might not have enough experience, please qualify: years or mileage? And then reflect on which one you feel is more valuable.

Someone that can do a job in 30 minutes does not necessarily tally up less experience than someone that can do the same job in in 3 hours. Give me the more efficient and productive of the two any day. Remember this the next time someone wears a badge of experience that only has a number of years on it. Ask them, is it years or mileage?