It may still be summer, but if you’re planning to make an impact this fall, your next few hires are the key.
I’ve seen it time and again: the candidate who checks every box feels like the “safe” choice—but it’s often the stretch hire who brings the spark that drives growth.
✨ They think differently.
✨ They spot inefficiencies or opportunities others haven’t seen.
✨ They grow with your company.
Perfect fits keep the machine running. Strategic bets can build a better one.
Also worth considering: being a little more flexible on comp (5–10%) can make the difference between a ‘maybe later’ and an enthusiastic yes.
It’s not just about securing the hire faster (though that’s a big win). It’s about long-term ROI:
* Higher engagement
* Lower likelihood of counteroffers
* Candidates who feel seen and valued before Day 1
If the person can bring innovation, new revenue streams, or hard-to-source leadership skills, a small increase in offer saves you weeks (or months) of backfill scramble.
What you can do right now:
✔️ Rewrite job descriptions to focus on outcomes, not just qualifications
✔️ Identify one or two stretch roles that could unlock growth
✔️ Have internal comp conversations before making the offer
✔️ Hire now so your team is fully ramped up by mid-fall, not Thanksgiving.
August and early September give you the breathing room to hire intentionally—before year-end urgency kicks in.
✅ Final Thought
As you start mapping out your next critical hires for fall, consider where you might be holding out for perfection—and where potential might serve you better.
The best hires don’t just fill a gap—they change the game.