Human Error in Recruitment: Why Mistakes Happen and How To Manage Them
Everyone makes mistakes because everyone is human. That includes us as recruiters, the clients we support, and the candidates we place. While we always aim for excellence, the reality is that perfection is an impossible benchmark. Instead, our goal is simple but powerful: deliver a high success rate and build long-term partnerships based on…
Everyone makes mistakes because everyone is human. That includes us as recruiters, the clients we support, and the candidates we place. While we always aim for excellence, the reality is that perfection is an impossible benchmark. Instead, our goal is simple but powerful: deliver a high success rate and build long-term partnerships based on transparency and understanding. In this blog, we explore the role of human error in recruitment, why it matters, and how embracing imperfection leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
What Is Human Error in Recruitment?
Human error refers to the mistakes that naturally occur when people are involved in any process, and recruitment is no exception. Whether it’s a missed cue in an interview, misalignment on expectations, or a candidate’s sudden change of heart, these situations arise not from incompetence but from the complex and unpredictable nature of people.
Who Makes Mistakes in Recruitment?
The honest answer? Everyone.
- Clients may misjudge a role’s requirements or make assumptions about a candidate’s fit.
- Recruiters may misread subtle cues or oversell a candidate based on limited information.
- Candidates might change their minds about a role sometimes even after accepting an offer.
As our director shared in a recent video: “Clients make mistakes with me, recruiters make mistakes with clients, candidates make mistakes with recruiters and vice versa.”
These aren’t failures. They’re part of a very human process that, despite best efforts, will never be perfectly predictable.
Is It Realistic to Expect a 100% Success Rate?
We wish it were… but no. In recruitment, perfection is not realistic. A more achievable and honest target is a 60–70% success rate. That means that out of ten candidates we put forward, seven to eight should be a solid match. And what about the remaining few? They’re the “exceptions to the rule” a term we use not to excuse mistakes but to acknowledge them.
Why Is the Recruitment Process So Dynamic?
“In my recruitment career, I’ve never had the same day twice,” says Tavis. Recruitment is inherently dynamic because we deal with people, not products. Candidates may have epiphanies, experience paradigm shifts, or encounter life changes that alter their decisions. Clients might pivot business direction. These are real-world variables that no AI or checklist can fully anticipate.
Why Specialisation Matters
If you’re a candidate looking for work or a company needing staff, working with a recruiter who knows your industry is crucial. Why? Because specialised recruiters understand not only the technical requirements of the roles but also the human factors that affect placement outcomes, personality fit, communication style, and long-term cultural alignment. “Making sure you are working with a recruiter that works in the space you want to work in is key.”
How We Minimise Human Error at TRS Resourcing
We can’t eliminate human error, but we can reduce it. Here’s how:
- Transparent Communication: We keep all parties in the loop from start to finish.
- Long Term Industry Specialisation: We only recruit in industries we know, because context matters.
- Realistic Expectations: We educate clients and candidates on success rates and process timelines.
- Thorough Pre-Screening: We go beyond resumes. We evaluate soft skills, motivations, and long-term fit.
- Feedback Loops: When mistakes happen, we don’t cover them up. We learn from them and improve.
Embracing Imperfection Builds Stronger Outcomes
At the end of the day recruitment is about people, and people aren’t perfect. At TRS Resourcing, we believe in setting realistic expectations, communicating openly, and doing our best every day. We don’t promise perfection. “We promise professionalism, partnership, and progress.”
If you’re looking to work with recruiters who understand the realities of human error, and how to work around it, we’d love to hear from you.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us via this form
