You think you’ve found a good hire. Their resume checks all the boxes, their references check out, and you have a great interview. You agree to terms, and you set a start date. But then the new hire starts work. Things get off to a rough start, and you start to think you may have made a bad hiring decision. Did you?
Toronto recruiters discuss some of the top signs that you have made a bad hiring decision:
1. They Are Taking Longer Than Expected to Catch On
Every new hire will take some time to catch on to their new role. But, if a candidate seems to take longer than expected, it may be a sign they are not cut out for the job. Signs include:
- They don’t have the skills you expected
- They lack knowledge in important areas of the job
- They seem lost in the role, not sure what to do
- They are asking questions for which they should know the answer
2. A Poor Attitude and Complaining
A new hire brings something new to the table. However, there is a big difference between positive and constructive feedback, versus someone who complains about how things are done. Signs include:
- Continuously referencing how things were done at their old job
- They don’t take feedback well
- They have a know-it-all or arrogant attitude
3. They Keep Making the Same Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes. All new employees will make mistakes as they learn their new role, key processes, and a new way of doing things. But candidates who continue to make the same mistakes repeatedly, even after being provided feedback, is a sign they may have overstated their experience or are not good at taking direction. Signs include:
- They are not willing to change their ways
- They disregard reminders
- They are not meeting the requirements of the job
4. Tardiness
New hires are generally energetic and eager to ramp up. But, if you notice a new employee is consistently late for work, takes long lunch breaks, leaves early or unexpectedly is taking time off, it may be a sign they are not happy with their new job. It’s also a sign they could exit the company and are looking for a new role.
You Made a Bad Hire, Now What?
If you think you’ve made a bad hiring decision, you need to take action quickly to fix the issue. How you act will depend on the reason why they are a bad hire. If they lack certain skills, more training may be required. If they lack experience, perhaps another role in the company is better. If they don’t fit within the culture, you may need to let the employee go and start looking for their replacement.
More Great Hiring Tips From Toronto Recruiters
4 Ways to Choose Between Two Great Candidates
4 Benefits of Using Candidate Skills Tests During the Recruitment Process
5 Reasons Why You Are Getting Ghosted by Candidates
IQ PARTNERS is an Executive Search & Recruitment firm supporting clients across the country. We help companies hire better, hire less & retain more. We have specialist teams of recruiters in Executive Search / Board & C-Suite, Technology, Media, Digital & Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Cannabis, Startup, Data Science, Consumer, eCommerce & Retail, Operations & HR, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Engineering, Legal & Professional Services, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Non-Profit & Sustainability, and Sales. IQ PARTNERS has its head office in Toronto and operates internationally via Aravati Global Search Network. Click here to view current job openings and to register with us.
