Hiring is a long process. By the time you’re ready to make a job offer to your top candidate, you’ve probably spent several weeks reading resumes, conducting interviews, and conferring with your staffing partner to hone in on the best possible candidates. So it’s a big deal when you’ve made the offer, only to hear your top candidate say “Thanks, but this isn’t for me.”
How do you bounce back from this bad news? Although you could start the search over, beginning from scratch is an expensive and time-consuming option. It’s also unnecessary if you’re prepared to address a candidate’s concerns up front. Being flexible and creative in job offer negotiations can help you get the star talent you need without breaking the bank.
When your top candidate turns down your offer, consider responding in any of these ways:
- Encourage the candidate to think “long term.”
When salary, title, or job duties are the problem, you may be able to convince a candidate to accept the offer by describing a well-defined route the candidate can take up the career ladder. Describe the increased responsibilities and compensation that would come from a promotion in the candidate’s position, and discuss specifically how the candidate could earn these increases. Candidates who are looking for a long-term position will likely respond favorably to a change in perspective. - Reassess the original offer.
The candidate may say “no” because he or she is holding out for a position with the compensation, title, or responsibilities the candidate believes are deserved. Try reconsidering your original offer from the candidate’s point of view. For instance, if the candidate has a specialized credential or years of particularly relevant experience, a “sweetened deal” may be the right path. - Consider non-traditional compensation.
Many professionals worry about striking a proper work-life balance. Even if you can’t offer an increased salary, consider offering non-traditional benefits like flex time, telecommuting options, access to company discounts, tickets to cultural events, or more professional assistance. Often, these benefits are worth more to top-performing candidates – and they promote the kind of rest that supercharges professional innovation and productivity.
At ABA Search & Staffing, our experienced recruiters will help you find top candidates to fill openings in your organization and provide the skills your company needs to reach its goals. Contact us today to learn more.