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Why Candidate Engagement Between Offer and Start Date Really Matters
Making an offer is only half the battle. Too often, employers breathe a sigh of relief once the paperwork is signed, assuming the candidate is locked in. But that critical period between offer and start date is where deals can unravel.
We’ve seen it time and time again: a lack of engagement during notice periods can leave candidates feeling disconnected, undervalued, or even open to counter offers. In today’s competitive job market, that’s a risk no employer can afford.
The “quiet period” problem
The danger zone usually sits in the weeks between offer acceptance and the first day. If a candidate hears little from their future employer, doubts can creep in. They may start questioning whether they’ve made the right decision, or worse, be tempted by a counter offer from their current employer.
Research from Glassdoor shows that organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% – yet many still fall short at the very first hurdle.
Engagement is retention
The good news is that small actions can make a big difference. By engaging with new hires before day one, you show them they’re wanted, valued and already part of the team.
Some simple but effective ideas include:
Invite them to meet their new team informally – whether that’s lunch, coffee, or even a social evening.
Offer a tour of the head office or workplace to help them visualise where they’ll belong.
Send them updates on company news, team wins or upcoming projects they’ll be part of.
Pair them with a buddy who checks in ahead of day one.
These aren’t just “nice to haves” – they’re strategic moves that make a candidate feel invested in their decision to join you.
The win-win outcome
When candidates feel engaged and excited before day one, they arrive more motivated, more connected, and more likely to hit the ground running. At the same time, employers significantly reduce the risk of dropouts or last-minute counter offer turnarounds.
It’s a win-win: stronger retention, faster impact, and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
At C2 Recruitment, we’ve seen first-hand how crucial this stage is. Getting onboarding right doesn’t start on day one – it starts the moment your offer is accepted.