Here’s a straight-talking look at what to watch for and how to fix it before it affects your team.

1. Rushing to Fill the Role

Red Flag:
You’re under pressure to fill a vacancy quickly and hire someone based on availability, not suitability.

Why It’s a Problem:
You may end up hiring someone who doesn’t have the right skills, drive, or values. It often leads to short tenures, higher turnover, and repeated recruitment costs.

TruFix:
Slow down to speed up. Have a structured hiring process that includes clear job descriptions, multiple interview rounds, and assessments when necessary. Use temp staff if you need to keep operations going while searching for the right fit.

2. Ignoring Culture Fit

Red Flag:
A candidate ticks all the technical boxes, but something feels “off” — they seem disengaged, overly rigid, or resistant to collaboration.

Why It’s a Problem:
Skill without synergy can create tension in your team. Culture misalignment leads to misunderstandings, underperformance, and sometimes conflict.

TruFix:
Assess for both competence and character. Ask situational questions that reveal values. Involve future team members in the interview process. If you’re building a purpose-driven company, make sure they connect with that vision.

3. Overvaluing CVs and Credentials

Red Flag:
You’re overly impressed by big brand names, degrees, or fancy job titles.

Why It’s a Problem:
A CV is only one side of the story. Great credentials don’t always mean great performance, especially in the dynamic Nigerian market where adaptability, grit, and soft skills matter just as much.

TruFix:
Use practical assessments or tasks relevant to the job. Test problem-solving and real-world thinking. Don’t underestimate candidates from smaller firms — many bring unmatched hustle and versatility.

4. Skipping Background Checks

Red Flag:
You don’t verify references or past employment claims.

Why It’s a Problem:
You risk hiring someone with integrity issues, falsified experience, or a history of poor performance. In extreme cases, it can even lead to legal trouble.

TruFix:
Always call at least two references, preferably past supervisors. Verify certificates and work history. Use structured reference questions to dig deeper than “they were okay.”

5. Not Listening to Your Hiring Team

Red Flag:
Only one person makes the hiring decision, even when other interviewers raise concerns.

Why It’s a Problem:
Blind spots can creep in. You may overlook character issues or team compatibility if you’re making solo decisions.

TruFix:
Get input from multiple team members. Even a short peer interview can reveal dynamics you may not notice. Hiring should be collaborative, especially for roles that impact multiple departments.

6. Forgetting the Onboarding Process

Red Flag:
You assume your job is done once the offer letter is signed.

Why It’s a Problem:
New hires without proper onboarding often feel lost, disengaged, or unsure of expectations. That’s how you lose talent fast.

TruFix:
Create a simple onboarding checklist: welcome email, workspace setup, company handbook, intro to the team, and first-week goals. The first 30 days shape long-term success.

Key Takeaway

Hiring is not guesswork — it’s strategy. And in Nigeria’s fast-moving business environment, the cost of poor hiring decisions keeps rising.

But here’s the good news: With the right systems, clarity, and mindset, you can consistently attract and retain talent that adds real value.

Final Word from TruBrief

At Aleerom Recruiters Job Shop, we help businesses build strong, purpose-driven teams — not just fill vacancies. Need help with recruitment audits, role profiling, or smarter hiring? Let’s talk.