You search, and search, and interview, then they tell you they want to stay where they are. You find someone else, but they want too much money. Finally you find someone decent, who's qualified, and wants the job. Haggle over salary and benefits and hope like hell the board doesn't leave you hanging because they think you offered too much. Offer made, everyone says they're happy, the candidate accepts.

From the job-seeker's perspective, that's where it ends: the signed offer letter. You got the job. Great.

If only it was that easy for the one doing the hiring.

You hope they won't back out, that they weren't playing games or trying to get a counteroffer. You hope they won't think twice about the commute, or the person who asked the rude question in the interview.

You have to stay in contact between the time the offer is accepted and when the person starts. I've seen hiring manager forget this, then on day 1, they're surprised when the person doesn't show up to work. I've seen this happen and it's more common than I thought.

So until day 1, be sure to stay in contact. Tell the person the organization needs them, and that everyone's looking forward to meeting them when they start. Get them thinking about what they'll do on their first day.

Everyone wants to feel needed; people starting a new job are no exception. So stay in contact and make sure they're set up for a great day 1.