Death by Interview: Why Your Hiring Process is Losing Great Leaders
We all know the pain of a drawn-out recruitment process. But here’s the bigger issue: at the senior level, long and poorly managed hiring processes don’t just slow things down, they kill your chances of securing top talent.
It starts with enthusiasm. A candidate is engaged. Impressed. Open.
Then it drags.
More stakeholders are added. Feedback is delayed. The brief shifts. Enthusiasm turns into doubt. Doubt turns into disengagement. And before you’ve made a decision, they’ve moved on.
Why This Matters
Senior finance professionals are busy, discerning, and in demand. They’re evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them. A slow, disjointed process doesn’t say, "We’re thorough." It says, "We’re indecisive. We’re misaligned. We’re disorganised."
Here’s what candidates tell us:
"I had five interviews and still no clear idea what the business actually wanted."
"It felt like they were making it up as they went."
"By the time they made an offer, I’d already accepted another."
Where It Breaks Down
Over-engineered processes Six interviews, two case studies, and a panel? It’s not 2010. Make it concise. High-value candidates won’t hang around.
Unclear ownership If HR, the CFO, and the MD are all leading different parts of the process without alignment, candidates get mixed messages.
Lack of feedback and momentum Silence = disinterest. Even a "no update yet" is better than a vacuum.
A Better Way
Design the process before you advertise – Map it out. Who’s involved? What’s the timeline? What are the key decision points?
Treat candidates as future stakeholders – Would you take this long to respond to a client or investor? Then why do it to a candidate?
Communicate like it matters – Because it does. A personalised email, a clear update, or a quick call goes a long way.
Final Take
In a market where perception and speed matter, your hiring process is a brand asset or a liability. Don’t let bureaucracy be the reason you lose your next great leader.
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About Recruitment Labs At Recruitment Labs, we’re dedicated to perfecting the people formula — connecting talented individuals with opportunities where they can truly thrive. Through our specialist affiliate network, we support hiring needs across Legal, Accounting, and Business Support functions. Whether you’re looking to grow your team or take the next step in your career, we’re here to help you make the right move. Learn more at www.recruitmentlabs.com.au.