Recruiting the right people is crucial to managing a successful charity, but it is often more challenging than we anticipate. We might hire a candidate who looks perfect on paper but discover they don’t integrate as seamlessly as expected, or we may struggle to attract the right candidates from the start.
Hiring effectively is essential for building strong, successful teams, yet even experienced interview panels can make mistakes that result in the wrong appointment. A poor hire can waste recruitment resources, lower team morale, and damage your organisation’s reputation. The good news is that most hiring errors can be avoided through careful planning and clear, structured processes.
Vague Job Descriptions
Vague or recycled job ads confuse applicants and attract poor fits. Define responsibilities, required skills, and what success looks like. Be transparent about team structure and expectations, as clarity attracts commitment.
Hiring Only for “Culture Fit”
Choosing people who “fit in” too neatly can limit diversity and innovation. Focus on culture add—hire those who align with your values but also bring new perspectives and ideas.
Not having a well planned Hiring Process
Time pressure often leads to “good enough” hires who don’t last. Plan ahead with structured interviews, consistent scoring, and simple succession plans to avoid rushed decisions.
Failing to showcase the role
Assuming a great role will sell itself can cost you top talent. Highlight what makes your organisation stand out, including your mission, flexibility, benefits, and growth opportunities. Remember, interviews go both ways.
Failing to keep candidates informed
Slow updates or vague feedback frustrate candidates and leaves them disengaged. Communicate regularly and honestly. Set clear timelines and keep candidates informed at every stage.
Not removing unconscious bias
Familiarity bias can lead to hiring people who think or act like you. Use structured assessments and diverse interview panels. Focus on skills and potential, not similarity.
Not supporting new starters
When you find a good candidate, it’s important to hold on to them. Those who have joined your charity will want to feel supported and see your values being adhered to throughout the whole of their employment with you.
Aquilas is a specialist recruitment consultancy dedicated to the charity and not-for-profit sector in the UK. We partner with organisations of all sizes to deliver outstanding recruitment solutions across fundraising, communications, and leadership roles.
