Drive by Friday

–

Drive by Friday –

In the world of recruitment, there’s one truth we all know: hiring is a team effort. While Recruiters strive to identify the perfect candidates, not every hire will go on to be the perfect fit, even if all signs pointed to “yes” in the early stages. When a new hire doesn’t quite work out, it’s easy to blame the Recruiter. But the reality is more complex.

The Recruiter’s Role – A Strategic Matchmaker, not a Fortune Teller

Recruiters are experts in sourcing and vetting talent, considering both skill and culture fit. They work meticulously to align candidates with the company’s needs and values. But as anyone who’s been in recruitment for a while will tell you, there are a multitude of factors that simply can’t be predicted during the hiring process. We’re matchmakers, not magicians!

Beyond the Interview: Team Dynamics & On-the-Job Realities

While a Recruiter can assess a candidate’s skills, personality, and potential, how that candidate will fit within a particular team is harder to gauge. Team dynamics, workflow styles, and communication habits play a massive role in whether a new hire feels at home. Sometimes, the right person on paper isn’t a seamless match with their team, and that’s not something anyone can fully know until they’re in the thick of it.

Candidate’s Adaptability and Real-World Application

A candidate may interview brilliantly, exuding confidence and competence. Yet, how they handle the everyday challenges in the role can reveal hidden aspects of their personality and adaptability. Sometimes it’s a question of motivation; sometimes it’s about how they respond under pressure. These intangibles are tough to measure beforehand but play a huge role in long-term success.

Company Culture and Evolving Expectations

Even if a Recruiter has nailed down what the company’s looking for, culture is something felt rather than fully described in words. Some elements of the workplace culture may only become apparent once someone is working day-to-day. Additionally, if the company’s needs shift (as they often do), expectations for the role can evolve, creating a mismatch that wasn’t there initially.

A Partnership for Success

At the end of the day, hiring should be seen as a partnership between the Recruiter and the organisation. Success comes from clear communication, shared expectations, and an understanding that hiring is only the beginning of the broader journey. When both sides recognise their role in a new hire’s success, everyone benefits – and we’re more prepared to tackle any bumps in the road.

So, the next time a new hire doesn’t pan out quite as expected, let’s take a step back, understand the complexities, and work together toward finding a solution. Hiring is a Partnership – not a blame game!