Brenda Siri on the biggest hiring mistakes leaders continue to make

For small business owners, hiring decisions can have lasting financial and cultural consequences. Brenda Siri, President and CEO of Corporate Connections, joins us on the latest episode of Business Trends Today to explain why she believes companies that treat hiring as a quick fix rather than a strategic process risk costly turnover and long-term operational challenges.

With more than 20 years of experience in human resources and talent acquisition, Siri has worked with organizations ranging from startups to global firms. Her work focuses on helping companies build stronger teams through more disciplined hiring practices and better alignment between candidates and organizational needs.

“If you don't train people properly, you're not setting them up for success.”

One of the most common mistakes, Siri says, occurs internally when companies promote employees into leadership roles without proper training. While promoting from within can support growth and retention, moving strong individual contributors into management positions without preparation often leads to poor outcomes for both the employee and the organization.

External hiring carries consequential risks for organizations. As Siri expresses, hiring the wrong candidate can result in costs ranging from 40% to 50% of that employee’s annual salary. These expenses account not only for recruitment and onboarding but also for lost productivity and the need to restart the hiring process. Furthermore, these costs can escalate when companies rush to fill positions without clearly defining their needs.

To avoid these pitfalls, Siri emphasized the importance of developing detailed job descriptions that clearly outline the skills, experience, and expectations required for the role. A well-defined job description not only improves candidate alignment but also serves as a foundation for the interview process and a safeguard in employment-related disputes.

Additionally, she recommends a structured, multi-step interview process that goes beyond initial impressions. Including team members in the hiring process can provide additional perspective on how a candidate will collaborate within the organization and contribute to overall performance. Behavioral interview questions, she said, are particularly effective in assessing how candidates have handled real-world situations and identifying potential concerns.

Meanwhile, Siri cautions against introducing bias into the hiring process, particularly through social media screening. While companies may be tempted to review candidates’ online presence, doing so can create legal risks and undermine fair hiring practices. Instead, she advised employers to rely on formal background checks to verify credentials and assess candidate suitability.

Workplace culture has also evolved significantly in recent years, shifting away from surface-level perks to more substantive factors. Today’s employees place greater value on communication, transparency, and collaboration, as well as leadership that demonstrates integrity and consistency. These factors play a critical role in both attracting and retaining talent.

Younger workers, such as Gen Z and millennials, are also increasingly focused on a company’s mission and values. Many prioritize organizations that offer opportunities for community involvement and foster a sense of belonging, both within teams and across the broader company.

The rise of remote and hybrid work has added another layer of complexity to hiring decisions. Siri said companies must clearly define expectations around workplace flexibility in job postings and throughout the interview process. While some candidates may seek remote arrangements, business owners must align hiring decisions with the operational needs of the role.

Ultimately, Siri said successful hiring requires preparation, discipline, and a long-term perspective. Companies that invest in clear processes, thoughtful evaluation, and cultural alignment are better positioned to build teams that drive sustained growth and performance.