Checklist for Hiring Managers: Addressing Top Candidate Concerns

Attracting top talent in today’s competitive market requires more than just a compelling job description. Candidates are increasingly discerning, seeking transparency, growth opportunities and alignment with organizational values before making career moves.

This checklist is designed to help hiring leaders and organizations proactively address the most common concerns raised by high-caliber candidates. By discussing growth potential, being transparent about fiscal health, demonstrating executive leadership alignment and clarifying organizational structure and role scope, you can build trust and confidence with prospective hires.

Use this checklist (PDF version) to ensure your recruitment process meets the expectations of today’s top performers:

1. Discuss Growth Potential

• Clearly outline potential career paths and advancement opportunities beyond the immediate role.

• Provide specific examples or timelines for growth within the organization.

2. Be Transparent About Fiscal Health

• Be ready to field questions regarding revenue, margin and turnover trends. Candidates considering joining a PE backed portfolio company will also want to understand the PE firm’s timeline for selling its stake in the business.
• Explain whether the environment is stable or a turnaround situation and identify candidates who thrive in those situations.

3. Demonstrate Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Alignment

• Articulate the organization’s “true north” (mission, vision and values) and how they relate to this role.

• Ensure key metrics and performance goals for the role are clearly defined and agreed upon by leadership.

• Communicate this alignment to candidates to build trust and confidence.

4. Clarify Organizational Structure and Role Scope

• Ensure the reporting structure for this role is clear and supportive of success.
• Confirm the role has the necessary scope, authority and budget to achieve expected results.

• Avoid unrealistic expectations, such as expecting major change without adequate resources or support.