The Hidden Cost of Hiring – And How to Build a Better Hiring Strategy

When an employee hands in their notice or a big project kicks off unexpectedly, it’s easy to slip into panic mode.

We need someone yesterday!

We’ve all been there – and so have many of the organisations we work with.

But over the past ten years supporting associations and peak bodies, one thing has become crystal clear: rushed recruitment usually costs more in the long run – in time, energy, morale, and budget too.

Let’s break down why rushing your hires often backfires – and more importantly, how you can plan ahead to build a stronger, more resilient hiring strategy.

Why rushed recruitment is more expensive than it looks

When the pressure’s on, it’s tempting to fill the gap quickly and move on. But fast hiring often leads to:

🚩 Poor fit – Candidates who aren’t truly aligned to the role or culture.
🚩 Higher turnover – Leading to costly re-recruitment within months.
🚩 Lost productivity – As teams scramble to train and cover gaps.
🚩 Brand damage – Word spreads when candidates feel rushed or poorly managed.

Replacing a bad hire can cost 30% of the employee’s salary or more – and that’s before you factor in the hidden cost of lost momentum and morale.

What the best organisations are doing instead

Some of the most successful associations we work with aren’t just reacting to gaps – they’re thinking ahead.

Here’s what they’re doing differently:

✅ Building Talent Pipelines Early
They’re always nurturing relationships – even when they’re not actively hiring. So when the time comes, there’s a warm network to tap into.

✅ Working With Sector-Specialist Recruiters
Instead of taking a scattergun approach, they partner with recruiters who already understand the nuances of their sector – meaning faster, more accurate matches.

✅ Prioritising Culture and Values Fit
Skills can be trained. Alignment to purpose, passion for the mission, and sector understanding? Much harder to teach.

✅ Being Transparent About Challenges
Rather than “selling” the role, they present a realistic view of the opportunity – attracting candidates who are truly ready and motivated for what’s ahead.

How Revise Recruitment Can Help

One thing we’re proud of at Revise Recruitment is how often placements happen through our network – not by blasting out job ads.

Because we stay connected, we’re able to move fast without sacrificing quality, helping organisations avoid panic hires and find leaders who genuinely fit their mission.

If you’re planning growth, preparing for an upcoming gap, or just want to avoid recruitment stress later in the year – now’s the time to start the conversation.

A strong second half of 2025 starts with strong decisions now.