Why You’re Losing Candidates During Their Notice Period… And How to Stop It

You’ve spent weeks (or even months) searching for the perfect hire. After multiple interviews, negotiations, and approvals, your chosen candidate finally signs the contract. But just when you think the hard part is over, something unexpected happens… they change their mind.

This is a common frustration in hiring and something that recently happened to a connection of mine.  They’d hired for a QA Manager through their internal networks, but a few weeks before starting, that candidate got cold feet.  Why? Because during that 1–3-month window, they didn’t feel valued, engaged, or excited enough to make the move.

We need to remember, that moving jobs is a HUGE life change and not to be taken lightly.  We are dealing with human beings, who have complex emotions.  Just because they have said yes and felt great in the moment of the offer, it doesn’t mean they don’t still need a little cuddle and ego boost throughout their notice period.

Here’s why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.

professionals meeting and forming partnerships shaking hands

1. They’re Still Being Approached by Other Companies

Just because a candidate has accepted your offer doesn’t mean the market stops moving. QARA professionals are in high demand, and recruiters won’t stop calling them.  If you’re no longer in contact reminding that person what they’re about to join and another company presents an offer that feels more rewarding, your new hire might start reconsidering.

What to do:

  • Keep the momentum going. If you disappear for weeks, they might start to question their decision.
  • Stay in touch with regular check-ins, not just to discuss paperwork but to keep them excited.

2. They Don’t Feel Like Part of the Team Yet

A long notice period can create emotional distance. If the candidate doesn’t feel connected to your company before their first day, they may struggle to see themselves truly fitting in.

What to do:

  • Arrange a lunch or coffee with their future team.
  • Invite them to a company meeting or team event (even if virtual).
  • Send a welcome pack with company swag, a handwritten note, or something that makes them feel valued.

3. They Have Doubts and No One to Reassure Them

Making a career move is a big decision. If a candidate feels isolated during their notice period, their mind starts to wander:
“Will I fit in?”
“Did I make the right decision?”
“What if I stay, and they offer me a raise?” – it’s the comfortable decision after all, and we know humans like comfort! 

What to do:

  • Give them a point of contact they can reach out to with questions.
  • Proactively check in to see if they need anything – don’t wait for them to reach out first.
  • Share onboarding details in advance to help them visualise their new role.

4. Their Current Employer Counteroffers … and They Take It

If a candidate is valuable enough for you to hire, they’re valuable enough for their current employer to fight for.  Let’s be honest, the cost of rehiring someone new and the hours needed to get that hire up to scratch is significant vs a small raise which could potentially save time, money and hassle.  

What to do:

  • During the hiring process, ask: “How would you handle a counteroffer?” and prepare them for that scenario.
  • Reinforce the reasons they wanted to leave in the first place.
  • Keep them engaged with ongoing conversations about their future in your company and development plans you have in place for staff.

Engagement is key, don’t leave it to chance. 

Hiring doesn’t end when the contract is signed.  The gap between acceptance and start date is critical.
If you’re not actively keeping your new hire engaged, someone else will.