It’s been a long process, and your top candidate has accepted your offer. The next step is to move on and let the other candidates know they weren’t chosen, right?
Not so fast. Wait to communicate that information.
Sometimes the unexpected occurs. For many reasons – counter offers, competing offers, or a change of mind – your candidate may not start as planned. You may have to reach out to one or more of your other prospects. But, if you’ve already rejected them, it will cast a shadow on their interest. No one wants to be the second choice. It’s much better for the process to be viewed as lengthy and be named the eventual choice.
Remember, it’s not over until your top candidate starts. Keep your hiring options open. Wait to release your backups until your top candidate has started.