Most hiring problems aren't candidate problems — they're process problems. Here are the ten most common mistakes and the fix for each.
- No structured intake. Hiring without a clear target results in 50 interviews and zero offers. Start with a one-page role spec.
- Job descriptions written for compliance, not candidates. Lead with outcomes and impact, not bullet-point requirements.
- Single-source sourcing. Relying only on inbound or only on a recruiter creates blind spots. Run 3+ channels in parallel.
- Unstructured interviews. Same role, different questions, different interviewers — you're measuring noise, not signal.
- No interviewer training. Most hiring managers have never been formally taught to interview. Two hours of training pays back tenfold.
- Slow feedback loops. Top candidates have 3 offers. If your decision takes a week, you lose them.
- Reference checks as a formality. Done well, references uncover deal-breakers no interview will.
- Ignoring base rates. If 80% of candidates pass your screen, your screen is broken.
- No onboarding plan before offer accept. The first 30 days are made or broken before day one.
- Failing to debrief losses. When a candidate declines, the data is gold. Capture it.