The Real Cost of a Bad Hire (and How to Avoid It)
Linda thought she found her dream hire. The CV was flawless. The interview went well.
But three weeks later, the new admin assistant had missed five deadlines, offended a client, and quit without notice.
The fallout? She had delayed projects. Some demoralised team. And over £6,000 down the drain.
That’s the result of the hidden cost of a bad hire.
Let’s break it down.
Direct Costs:
- Recruitment fees
- Training hours
- Payroll and benefits
Indirect Costs:
- Lost productivity
- Team burnout
- Damaged client relationships
Stat: The average cost of a bad hire in the UK ranges from £3,000 to £12,000 depending on the role. (CIPD 2024)
Why Do Bad Hires Happen?
- Rushed Hiring Decisions:
You needed someone like yesterday, so you settled. Short-term wins, long-term regrets. - Poor Role Clarity:
Was the job description clear? Were expectations aligned? - Inadequate Screening:
Relying on CVs alone is a gamble. So is skipping reference checks.
How to Avoid It
- Invest in Pre-Hire Assessments:
Psychometric tests, practical tasks, and cultural fit assessments are critical. - Partner With a Specialist Agency:
At Hillgate Recruitment, we match candidates not just to jobs but to business values. - Take Your Time (But Don’t Drag It Out):
A structured hiring process = better results.
You can try out this interactive tool: Bad Hire Calculator. Input your numbers and estimate how much a mis-hire might be costing your business.
Final Thoughts
A great hire can elevate your business. A bad one can set you back months.
Avoid the pain. Hire smarter. Partner with Hillgate Recruitment.
