The more you leave to chance the more likely you are to lose your candidates. Recruitment's not a roll of the dice and here are thirteen pitfalls that if you haven't already experienced, you have yet to look forward to. 

The wrong location

You gave the wrong address and sent your candidate to Newcastle Under-Lyme when they were supposed to be meeting a client North of the Tyne.

A missing candidate

When your candidate goes AWOL on the first day of a placement and you’re left with your trousers pulled down and a less than pleased client wanting a solution.

A change of heart

A candidate or client have a last minute change of heart and you receive that email the night before a placement, informing you that they’re pulling out.

A client ‘backdoors’ you

Sometimes the candidate’s not right for the client, but when you then see that candidate working for the client two weeks later you have to wonder.

The budget falls through

Either you didn’t get the budget signed-off by a decision maker when you should of, or the finance was being held on shaky foundations.

No suits in Shoreditch

Prepping a candidate on what the appropriate dress code is so they avoid turning up to a relaxed tech company dressed to the nines in a suit and tie.

An unprepared candidate

When you forget to mention to a candidate that they’ll be giving a presentation on a chosen subject.

Forgetting your check-in calls

Why are people on site getting paid when they’re not there and why are those that should be there not? Check-in calls on a Friday determine who’s supposed to be there come Monday.

When screening checks fail

They’re a perfect candidate in every aspect apart from that oversight with National Rail that actually bans them from working in finance ever again.

Not getting the T&Cs signed

You’ve got the client’s A-team in place but forgot to get the T&Cs signed. You invoice, they query payment terms and you’ve got nothing to fall back on. Good luck getting that approved.

Negotiations after agreeing

It’s getting closer to placing a candidate and somebody wants to readdress those rates you both previously agreed over.

Leaving within the rebate period

Four weeks after a deal the candidate moves on. You’re looking at a reduced fee and a client who will almost certainly shop around in the future. Make sure you have a replacement to hand.

Client goes bust

Make sure you do your due-diligence thoroughly and credit check your clients. Sometimes you can’t avoid unforeseen events and sometimes you’re just unlucky.

About:

Calum is the Content & Marketing Executive for Sonovate, The number one provider of finance and placement management technology for contract recruitment agencies. Find similar recruitment content at www.sonovate.com/blog or follow @CM551