We’ve seen this before.
The tech boom in the early 2000s were full of brilliant hires and broken systems. Companies moved fast, hired hard, and lost incredible talent to burnout, confusion, and preventable friction.
The next wave of AI hiring is already repeating old mistakes. This time, let’s do better.
✅ DO: Build the runway before you land the plane
Great talent needs more than a landing spot — they need a clear, coordinated welcome. Before the contract is signed, you should already have answers to:
- Where will they live?
- Who’s guiding their relocation?
- How will they ramp up without burning out?
Start with a blueprint, not a scramble.
❌ DON’T: Treat talent like a transaction
You’re not just filling a seat. You’re shaping your future. And AI talent knows the difference. Moving across the country or the world is an emotional decision. If they feel like a line item on a spreadsheet, they’ll leave the moment something better comes along.
Relationships first. Logistics second. Both matter.
✅ DO: Invest in their world beyond work
The highest performers bring their whole selves to the table. But only if they’re grounded personally, socially, and emotionally. Offer support that goes beyond HR paperwork:
- Spousal or partner integration
- Cultural coaching
- Social connection in a new city
When their life works, their work works.
❌ DON’T: Underestimate cultural fit
Skills are portable. Culture is not. Even the most capable engineer will underperform in an environment that doesn’t match their values, communication style, or pace. It’s not a personal flaw — it’s a mismatch.
Smart hiring includes integration planning. Not just onboarding slides.
✅ DO: Think five years ahead
Hiring isn’t the win. Retention is. If you want to build something that lasts, look past week one. Give your new hire the tools to grow, lead, and contribute over time, not just survive the move.
If the goal is staying power, the journey starts now.
Final Thought: Fast hiring without foresight isn’t innovation. It’s chaos with better branding. Build with purpose. Welcome with clarity.
And if you’re not sure what long-term readiness looks like — we are.
