Even when a candidate has the right qualifications, they may not thrive if they don’t fit into the company’s culture. A mismatch in values or working environment can lead to early exits, costing both the company and the recruiter valuable time and effort.

How to Mitigate It:

1. Ensure the candidate meets their prospective manager and team to discuss the company’s culture during the interview process.
2. Confirm whether the candidate has experience in a similar culture, or if they are open to adapting to it.
3. Ask the hiring manager to clearly explain the company’s work environment and culture so the candidate can assess whether it aligns with their expectations.

A common reason for placement failure is when the job doesn’t match the candidate’s expectations. This happens when the responsibilities, day-to-day tasks, or growth opportunities were not clearly communicated, leaving the candidate dissatisfied once they start.

How to Mitigate It:

1. From the very first interview, instruct the hiring manager to clearly describe the job and daily tasks to the candidate.
2. Confirm with the candidate that they fully understand the role and are happy with the responsibilities.
3. Check with the hiring manager to ensure the role and responsibilities won’t change unexpectedly, and clarify the circumstances under which they might evolve.

An effective onboarding process is crucial for ensuring a candidate’s success in their new role. Without proper training and support, even the most qualified candidates may struggle to integrate, leading to poor performance or early resignation.

How to Mitigate It:

1. Ensure the client has a structured onboarding plan. If they don’t, assist them in developing a simple, structured process.
2. Follow up with both the candidate and the client two weeks before the start date and two weeks after to assess how the onboarding process is progressing.
3. If the notice period before the start date is longer than one month, ensure the candidate and hiring manager meet at least once every four weeks. This is a must to maintain engagement and alignment.