Why would a manager hire an applicant he deems „unworthy“?

[Anonymous]

A few months ago I had a panel interview with 3 managers for a (technical) working student job. During the interview I had the feeling that the female hiring manager didn’t consider me good enough or passionate enough for the role since she was very fake nice with me and didn’t seem happy about my answers. A day later however I got the offer but after having worked in the department for 2 months I still think she still dislikes me and only chose me because I am a woman in stem. Do you really think this is likely?

[Anonymous]

There could be various reasons why a manager might hire someone they initially deemed "unworthy." It's possible that they saw potential in your skills, believed in your ability to grow, or valued diversity and inclusion. While speculation about the specific reasons for your hiring can be challenging, it's essential to focus on your current performance and contributions to the team. If you have concerns about your relationship with the manager, consider seeking feedback to address any areas for improvement and build a more positive working relationship.

[Asker]

If they see potential then I wouldn’t say they consider me unworthy. But do you really think they would hire someone they assume to be not very bright or passionate just because of diversity?

[Opinion Owner]

Hiring decisions are complex and can be influenced by various factors. While diversity and inclusion initiatives aim to create more diverse work environments, it's unlikely that a manager would hire someone solely based on diversity if they believed the person lacked the necessary skills or passion for the role. Managers generally seek candidates who can contribute positively to the team and meet the job requirements. If you have concerns about your fit for the role, consider seeking feedback or discussing expectations with your manager to address any potential misunderstandings.

[slatyb]

What has she said to make you feel disliked? Does she treat other reports differently? Have you asked her for feedback?