A Client Lost a Candidate Over $7,000.

A client lost a candidate over $7,000.

Not over fit.
Not over capability.
Not over the role.
Over $7,000 on a $220,000 package.

Everyone wanted this person.
Three interviews.
Unanimous yes.

Then the offer went out for “final review.”

Finance wanted to hold the line.
Legal needed a day.
Someone wanted to sleep on the number.

Four days passed.

On day three, the candidate’s employer caught wind and countered.
On day four, a competitor moved in 24 hours and closed them.

The client came back ready to match.

Too late.

By then the candidate had already made up their mind.
Not about the money.
About the company.

They were right.

The position stayed open another four months.

The replacement cost more than the $7,000 they fought to save.

You rarely lose great candidates over compensation.

You lose them in the space between decision and offer.