Quality talent will always have options – if you want them in your business, move at their pace…

I recently lost a great placement (and a great fee… I’m just about over it) because my candidate took another role. She was an EXACT match (and more) for the client’s brief and aligned seamlessly with their vision and mission.

Was I frustrated with the candidate? Not really – because if I were in their shoes, I may have done the same.

Here’s what happened…

The client was a rapidly growing business and communication was subsequently quite patchy. I get it – decision-makers were constantly in meetings and every minute of their day was critical.

But delays in feedback and interviews stretched the process out. My candidate remained patient, understanding, and enthusiastic… but weeks turned into months.

We were checking in with both the candidate and client every day (because even a “no update” text is still an update).

After three interviews, we were finally nearing an offer. Then the delays piled up again… another month between the third and final interview. Then an offer was made over a week later from the last meeting…

By then, my candidate called me and said she was taking another offer.

Why?

The other offer wasn’t with a better business. The role wasn’t more senior or more appealing. The salary wasn’t higher.

She chose them because they made her feel wanted.

They moved fast, showed enthusiasm, and made it clear she was someone they couldn’t afford to lose.

The lesson is simple: Quality talent will always have options. If you’re slow to act, you risk losing out – not because another company is better, but because they show candidates they’re valued and wanted.

If you want to secure top talent, consider how your recruitment process feels from their side. You can’t expect amazing candidates to wait around while you juggle internal priorities.

A slow recruitment process could cost you your next A-grade hire.