When hiring, have a backup plan whenever possible
Hiring the right person for a job is essential for any business. But what happens if your first-choice hire doesn’t work out? Having a backup plan in place can help you avoid delays and disruptions to your business.
How to Create a Backup Plan When Hiring
Here are some tips for creating a backup plan for your first-choice hire:
- Start by confirming your top priorities for the role – What are the critical factors without which it would be a hard “no”- and don’t deviate!
- Screen backup finalists as thoroughly as you do your first choice candidate – Don’t just make it a one horse race. *Most common mistake we see!*
- Be prepared to make an offer to your backup candidate quickly – If your first choice hire doesn’t work out, you’ll need to be able to move quickly to secure your backup candidate.
- Communicate with your backup candidate throughout the hiring process – Keep them updated on your progress and let them know they are in contention. Don’t leave them out in the ether wondering why things went quiet.
By following these tips, you can create a backup plan that will help you avoid delays and disruptions if for whatever reason you can’t land your top choice candidate.
Backup Plan Considerations for Hiring
Here are some additional tips for creating a backup plan:
- Start early – Don’t just wait and hope the #1 choice accepts. Keep a #2 engaged.
- Be flexible – Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to adjust your backup plan as needed.
- Have a contingency plan – What will you do if you can’t find a suitable backup candidate? Bring in a consultant or interim hire? Outsource? Bring on a less experienced up-and-comer? Split the role between existing team members? There are many variables, and you absolutely should identify which ones are viable for your particular organization and culture. Having a contingency plan will help you avoid the delay and disruption to the business plan.
Creating a backup plan for hiring any key role is an important step in ensuring that your business is prepared for any eventuality.
