Recruitment is basically a never-ending tug of war: hire fast or hire right. And if you’ve ever been a recruiter, you know the conversation goes like this:
- Hiring Manager: “We need someone yesterday.”
- Recruiter: “Cool, but do you want someone amazing or just someone available?”
- Hiring Manager: “…Yes.”
Welcome to the recruiter’s eternal dilemma.
Speed: Because Time Is Money
In today’s market, speed isn’t just nice to have—it’s survival. Candidates get multiple offers, and the one who waits too long often ends up ghosted. (Yes, recruiters get ghosted too.)
Quick hiring reduces downtime, keeps projects moving, and makes hiring managers happy. But here’s the catch: move too fast, and you risk hiring someone whose “perfect fit” lasts about as long as the free snacks in the office pantry.
Quality: The Holy Grail Everyone Wants
Quality hires are the ones who stick around, grow with the company, and don’t make you question all your life choices three months later. But finding them takes time—screening, assessing, interviewing, reference-checking. And let’s face it, not everyone has the patience when deadlines are burning and team leads are breathing down your neck.
The Illusion of “Both”
Every company says, “We want fast AND high-quality hires.” That’s like saying you want a budget-friendly sports car—sure, in theory, it’s possible, but in reality? You’ll probably have to compromise somewhere.
The Real Solution: Balance (and Brutal Honesty)
The best recruiters aren’t the ones who always choose speed or always choose quality—they’re the ones who know when to push back. Sometimes, filling the role quickly is the priority. Other times, waiting an extra two weeks means securing a game-changing hire.
It’s less about picking one side and more about managing expectations—with hiring managers, candidates, and yes, even yourself.
Final Thought
Recruitment isn’t a sprint or a marathon—it’s a relay race where you’re expected to run fast and hand over the perfect baton. No pressure, right?
So the next time someone asks, “Can you get us a great hire ASAP?” just smile and say:
“Sure. Do you want it fast, cheap, or good? Pick two.”
Excellent. Nicely explained & clarified the dilemma, to arrive at focus.