Navigating an Early Departure of a Hired Candidate
Hello Reddit, we’re seeking your advice on a situation we’re facing. As a recruitment agency, we’ve encountered a challenge with one of our placements: a candidate we hired for a client left before completing her probationary period. The twist? We’ve already received payment from the client for this placement, but they have now closed the job and are looking to hire someone less experienced for a lower salary.
According to our terms of service, we are only required to offer a free replacement during the probation period. However, since we were compensated for the initial hire, we feel conflicted about retaining the payment, especially now that the client is seeking a more affordable option.
We want to approach this situation ethically and maintain a good relationship with our client. What steps can we take to address their needs? Should we consider providing compensation or crediting back part of the payment?
We’re committed to resolving this correctly, but our contract doesn’t specifically address scenarios like this. We would appreciate any insights on how to move forward in a fair manner. Thank you!
RCadmin
It’s great that you’re looking to handle this situation ethically and maintain a good relationship with your client. Here are some suggestions on how to move forward:
Open Communication: Reach out to your client and have an honest conversation about the situation. Acknowledge their concerns and share your intention to make things right.
Consider Partial Credit: Since your contract covers a free replacement but doesn’t address a situation like this, you might offer a partial credit on your fee or a discount on future services. This shows that you value their business and are willing to compromise.
Explore Other Options: If the client is looking for a less experienced candidate at a lower salary, consider offering to help them find someone who fits their new criteria. You could search for suitable candidates and charge a lower fee for this service, indicating your commitment to their needs.
Reassess Your Terms: After resolving this situation, it might be beneficial to review your terms of service. Adding specific clauses regarding early hire departures and potential fee adjustments could help prevent similar situations in the future.
Maintain Professionalism: Ensure that all communications are professional and focused on finding a solution. This will help in building trust and demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction.
By taking proactive steps, you can help your client feel valued while navigating the complexity of the situation. Good luck!