Why Your Recruitment Might Feel Broken – and What to Do About It

Let’s be honest - recruitment today feels a bit stuck...

Despite all the shiny new tools, data, and insights we’ve gained over the years, many businesses are still hiring like it’s 1995. Fast-growing companies are desperate for talent, but the hiring processes in place? Well, they’re often clunky, outdated, and more focused on ticking boxes than finding the right people for the long term.

We think it’s time to change that.

Because hiring shouldn’t just be about filling seats - it should be a strategic, thoughtful process that helps businesses grow and thrive.

So, where are things going wrong? And more importantly, how do we fix it?

First up: The Communication Black Hole

We’ve all been there - you apply for a role, get your hopes up... and then nothing. Or worse, you jump through multiple hoops (interviews, tests, chats over coffee) only to be met with complete radio silence.

Not only is this disheartening for candidates, but it’s also costly for businesses. People talk, and a bad experience can quickly damage your reputation as an employer. In fact, 58% of job seekers say they’ve turned down offers because of a poor hiring experience. Ouch.

So, what's the fix?

Keep it simple - communicate. Clear updates, honest timelines, and setting expectations from day one. Even a quick “we’re still reviewing applications” message makes a world of difference. Candidates deserve to know where they stand. Plus, great communication reflects well on your brand and keeps talent engaged.

Why CVs Aren’t the Whole Story

If you’re still hiring based solely on CVs, it’s time to rethink. Yes, experience matters - but focusing only on what people have done misses what they could do. Especially in fast-paced businesses, where roles can change almost overnight.

Enter psychometric assessments - tools that help you understand a candidate’s true potential, from problem-solving skills to adaptability and leadership style.

We’ve seen it first-hand: companies that move beyond the CV and embrace data-led hiring make better long-term decisions. They build teams that are not just qualified, but also resilient, collaborative, and ready to grow with the business.

Hiring for Today - and Tomorrow

Here’s the thing: the person who’s perfect for a role today might not be what your business needs in six months’ time - especially if you’re growing fast.

That’s why hiring for potential, not just present-day skills, is key. You need people who can evolve as your company does.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. Look beyond experience - hire people who show they can learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.

2. Review your hiring process regularly - what worked when you were a team of 20 might not work now you’re at 100.

3. Invest in onboarding and development - because great hires need support to succeed (and stay!).

So, Where Do You Go from Here?

If recruitment feels like a constant struggle - or you’re hiring quickly but not always getting the right fit - now’s the time to pause and rethink.

At Instant Impact, we help businesses build recruitment strategies that actually work - from improving candidate experience to using data-driven tools that uncover hidden talent.

Because hiring shouldn’t be about firefighting - it should be about building a workforce that drives your business forward.

Want to chat about how to fix your hiring? Get in touch with our team.

And if you want more on this topic, check out the We Need to Talk About HR episode featuring Erica Briody - a great conversation about how hiring can (and should) be done better.