Great candidates don't stay available forever. Neither do great opportunities.

One search I worked on taught me a lesson I'll never forget.

After several interviews, a client had identified a candidate they genuinely liked.

The conversations were positive.
The experience was there.
The potential was clear.

But like many organisations, they were navigating internal changes, new approvals and evolving priorities.

What should have been a relatively quick process gradually became a much longer one.
Months passed.

By the time the offer was ready, the candidate had received a counteroffer from their current employer.
After years with the same organisation, they chose to stay.

The search had to begin again.

Interestingly, the second time around, everything changed.
The interview process became more focused.
Decisions were made faster.
Communication was clearer.
Within a much shorter timeframe, another outstanding professional accepted the opportunity.

That experience reminded me of something I now discuss with many hiring managers.

Recruitment isn't only about recognising great talent.
It's about recognising it at the right moment.

Because while organisations are making decisions...
Candidates are making them too.

Sometimes we think we're waiting for certainty.
But the market doesn't wait with us.

One of the biggest lessons recruitment has taught me is that timing is often just as important as talent.

From your experience, what has the biggest impact on a successful hiring process: finding the right person, or making the right decision at the right time?