How to keep Top Talent away from your job opportunity

Recently, a potential client approached me to help him in finding a top talent for a senior engineering role. During our discussions, several red flags emerged:

• the company owners were hidden; the CEO was unwilling to disclose their identities.

• the company wasn't officially registered yet.

• the company had no clear strategy, only a vague slogan stating, “We are building an amazing world-class product,” which felt cliché and uninspiring.

Despite a competitive salary offer, the lack of clarity and direction would make it difficult to attract top talent. Skilled professionals often seek more than just a good salary. They want to contribute to meaningful projects. Recognizing these issues, I decided to decline the opportunity to assist the Company. I knew that approaching candidates under such circumstances would likely be a waste of time, as too many concerns would make top talent hesitant to consider the position.

Common mistakes that keep away Top Talent

1️⃣ No clear company strategy
If you don’t have a clear vision—or can’t effectively communicate it—you risk losing top talent. High performers need to understand the “Why” behind your company’s existence; they want to be part of something bigger.

2️⃣ Invisible leadership
As a leader, you need to be visible. Strong personal branding from company leadership is a key factor for attracting top talent. They want to work with impactful, visionary leaders.

3️⃣ Weak company brand
If your company brand isn't well-known or respected in the market, it can be a deal-breaker. Candidates want to join organizations they’re proud of—ones with a strong presence and reputation.

4️⃣ Non-transparent hiring process
A lack of transparency during the hiring process—such as unclear timelines, ghosting candidates, or not providing feedback—creates frustration and doubt. Be open and clear with every step in this journey.

5️⃣ Micromanaging
Top talent values the ability to make their own decisions and have autonomy in their work. If they feel they will be micromanaged, they may decline your offer to join your team. They want the freedom to innovate and take ownership of their projects.

Effective hiring practices are crucial for any company's success. Hiring and keeping top talent boosts your company's innovation, productivity and elevates your overall business performance. To make your company attractive to top talents demonstrate strong leadership, keep clear communication, and focus on transparency.