You’ve gone through the recruitment process, shortlisted, interviewed, and now you’re at the finish line — but with a problem most employers would love to have: *two equally great candidates.*

At Signature Staff, we’ve supported countless businesses across Cairns and Townsville in making this tough call. It’s a good dilemma, but it still requires strategy, clarity, and a bit of forward thinking.

Here’s how to choose wisely — and keep both doors open.

Revisit Your Core Needs

Step back and ask: what matters *most* in this role right now?

– Is it experience or potential?
– Do you need someone to hit the ground running, or someone you can mould?
– Will one candidate be a better cultural fit or have strengths that balance your existing team?

Often, the tie-breaker comes down to your business priorities, not just the CV.

Consider Future Opportunities

If both candidates are excellent, think long-term.

– Could you create another role in the near future?
– Is one suited for a different department or project?
– Could one be a perfect fit for a contract or temp role now, with potential for more later?

At Signature Staff, we often help employers hire one candidate permanently and place the other in a temp or on-call pool.

Be Honest and Keep the Door Open

Don’t just ghost the runner-up. Communicate openly:

– Thank them for their time
– Let them know they were a strong contender
– Ask permission to stay in touch for future roles

This builds trust — and you might find they’re still available down the track.

Use a Second Interview to Go Deeper

Still unsure? A second interview can help you:

– Dive into real-world scenarios
– Get input from other team members
– Explore personality dynamics and working styles

Sometimes it’s not about who’s better — but who’s better *for your team.*

Let Signature Staff Help You Keep Both Options Alive

Hiring doesn’t have to be a one-or-none decision.

We help businesses across FNQ navigate talent-rich shortlists, offering solutions like contract-to-perm placements, casual pools, and project staffing.

If you’ve found more than one great candidate, we can help you leverage both.

Visit signaturestaff.com.au to talk strategy with our recruitment experts today.

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