I would have to agree with the later approach as well. I have some limited experience hiring and I would say that I've learned some valuable lessons. One is tha

I would have to agree with the later approach as well. I have some limited experience hiring and I would say that I've learned some valuable lessons. One is that the "other dimensions" you list, which I assume are things like ability to work in a team, humility, dedication, work ethic, etc., are far more important than "smarts". To go along with that, having a ton of "smarts" does not compensate for a lack of the other dimensions. I'd say it can in some cases even go the other route and make things worse as a "smart" but non-team player is capable of doing more damage than a less intelligent non-team player.