How Do I Choose Between Two Great Candidates with Different Notice Periods?

Hi everyone, I am new to the field of HR. Please help me out with my query.

Candidate Selection Dilemma

I have shortlisted two candidates; both are equally good. One has 11 months of experience and is energetic, while the other has 3 years of experience and is also good, but I prefer the first one. However, the first candidate has a notice period of 1 month, and the second candidate has a notice period of 15 days. If I give an offer letter to both, the one who can join earlier will be selected. However, it would be unethical for the second one. If I give the offer to the first one with a notice period of 1 month and he later refuses to join, I will incur a loss. Therefore, I am unsure whether to give an offer letter to both or if the first one will indeed join, or if he may get distracted during his one-month notice period. Kindly suggest what I should do in this situation; your guidance will really help me clarify my vision.

Issuing Offer Letters to Candidates with Different Notice Periods

How would you issue offer letters to both candidates when your requirement is only for one? If you are inclined to select the first candidate, issue him an offer letter-cum-appointment order with a stipulation to join by a certain date. Any prospective candidate selected for a post can reconsider their decision to accept the offer for a new job until they actually join, depending on circumstances such as their current employer's persuasive attempts to retain them at any cost, the candidate's perception of their career growth in the new organization, or the psychological and physical challenges associated with relocation.

Notice periods of one month or 15 days do not make much distinction. If you prefer the second candidate due to a shorter notice period, what is the guarantee that their current employer would simply relieve an experienced employee in 15 days? Your hesitation based on the notice period stems only from indecisiveness. Mostly, the first choice happens to be the best choice; just go with your gut feeling!

I really appreciated the words said by Umakanthan sir on this topic. If you have doubts about the candidates joining your organization, you can also offer them a notice period buyout. If you feel the person you select is exceeding your expectations and can be genuinely helpful to your organization.

Select one and give an offer letter. No point in thinking whether he will join or not. Keep the other as standby for sending an offer letter. The question of giving both offer letters does not arise since there is only one vacancy.

Please call the first candidate. If he is very serious about joining, instruct him to pay off the notice period and have him join you at the earliest. You can offer to reimburse him the amount he has paid towards the notice period, subject to proof. This approach may most likely work out.