Final answer:
Mary's recommendation to hire based on previous job tenure is a strategy for assessing loyalty and commitment, ensuring that the candidate possesses transferable skills including the ability to learn and adapt, which are critical for their long-term success at Aurora Borealis Lighting Inc.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary's suggestion to hire applicants who have shown stability in their previous jobs by staying with their employers for at least two years is an example of using job tenure as a heuristic for determining an applicant's potential loyalty and long-term commitment. Employers like Aurora Borealis Lighting Inc. value not only the technical skills and experience a candidate brings but also their soft skills, such as the ability to learn, adapt, work in a team, and remain dedicated to the company's goals over an extended period. These soft skills are part of transferable skills, essential attributes that can signify a candidate's suitability across various tasks and job environments.
By seeking candidates with a solid history of job tenure, the company aims to mitigate the risks associated with asymmetric information in the labor market. They rely on indicators such as job tenure, academic qualifications, and references to infer a candidate's work ethic, dedication, and ability to blend into the company culture—traits that are imperative for the role but difficult to assess from resumes alone. Drawing from past job stability is one way to screen for a predictive pattern that suggests a future commitment, reducing the likelihood of hiring someone who may not have the desired levels of motivation or reliability.