Uncertain times prolong the recruitment process

Changing employers is a sensitive matter. A high degree of discretion is required in the process. COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, rising unemployment, and inflation have made the process even more delicate and time-consuming.

I have worked on cases that seemed like a perfect match. The company wanted the candidate, and the candidate’s salary and employment conditions were met. The company believed everything was settled. The candidate could start the following month.

I had to ask them to be patient. The candidate was not entirely sure yet. They needed more meetings with the company to further align expectations.

Difficult to Know What You’re Getting

Resigning from a secure and trusted position to seek new opportunities is a significant step. You know what you have – but it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. Will you have good colleagues waiting for you? Will they be excited to welcome you, or is there, for example, a resentful employee who was passed over for the position you are now taking? Will your tasks be much more challenging than you anticipated?

This risk has always existed when changing jobs. However, in uncertain times, the risk carries even greater weight.

Respect and Understand the Caution

Even though my candidates could likely find another job if they were unfortunate in this regard, uncertainty still affects them. Can they afford to take a pay cut for a while, given the skyrocketing cost of living? Or can they even afford to be without a job for a few months?

It is crucial to understand and respect this caution. Whereas before, I sometimes saw hires happen after just one meeting between the company and the candidate, it is now common for three or more meetings to take place before the right match feels as secure as possible.

Companies must recognize this need and ensure that these meetings provide valuable content so that, in the end, the candidate feels confident signing the employment contract.

Make sure all aspects of the job are covered, and let the candidate have a say in the meeting agenda.

A Sign of Healthy Decision-Making

This caution should be seen as a sign of a healthy decision-making process. There are two fundamental reasons for changing jobs: either you just want to leave your current job, or you see an exciting opportunity for growth in another company. The candidates driven by the latter motivation have the most potential – and they are also the ones who take their time making a decision, even when everything is laid out for them.

The case I described earlier had a positive outcome, and after the third meeting, the candidate said yes.