Recruiting—Your Monthly Tip for Success

How to Lose Your Top Candidate

For decades, business owners have been told to be "quick to fire" and "slow to hire."  But with today’s shortage of talent, it’s important to strike a balance between thoroughly vetting the candidate, and getting them on board.

Slow hiring does not mean a better hire!  In fact, it’s one of the top reasons companies lose great candidates. Research shows the top 10% of active candidates are gone from the market within 10 days, and over 75% of active candidates are interviewing with at least three companies. If you don’t keep the process moving, candidates will assume you’re slow in other company practices, and you’ll damage your company’s brand.* Even if the candidate is not actively looking, the slower the process, the more likely they’ll lose interest.

By changing outdated hiring attitudes and removing hiring process roadblocks, you can make a significant difference in your ability to hire top talent.

*Dr. John Sullivan, www.ere.net

Next month’s tip, "Avoiding the Two-Timing New Hire."

Kathy Cole has helped construction companies match extraordinary job opportunities to exceptional talent for more than 20 years. She founded DK Cole Executive Search in 2006. She is past president of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association.