Because the market is loaded with high unemployment, hiring managers are approaching candidates directly to circumvent paying fees to recruiters. Corporate recruiters are therefore competing with the very professionals they’re assigned to support. Agencies, sensing a schism and a possible opportunity to snap up a quick albeit reduced fee, are vying to squeeze a toe in the door with the hiring manager and pitching the line, “I can do it better for less and without politics.”



I… Continue

Dearest candidate,



I appreciate the opportunity to interview you and compare your skill set to the other candidates currently in consideration for our open technical management position. Please understand that I meant no disrespect or connotation of ill will when I stated that a background check is part of our employment screening process and typically adds a week’s delay to process. This is a statement I provide every candidate with whom I interview, and it is not intended to imply… Continue

Dearest candidate,



In reviewing your resume and discussing with you your experiences and areas of interest, I’ve come to the determination that you seem to have a gap between what you have done, what you’re capable of doing and what you ultimately want to do.



Often times, I visit with professionals who don’t have a clear idea of what their true capabilities or strengths are. Your case is different. While you clearly know and can prove via your established track record what… Continue

Dearest candidate,



Thank you for reaching out to me this morning via email. I am flattered by your suggestion to treat me to sushi and cocktails this evening to further discuss your interest in the Practice Leader position here in southern California; however, I must decline your generous offer. Friday evenings usually involve my husband, Paul, who is coincidentally the Partner working closely with our client to hire the Practice Leader.



Should you wish to apply for the… Continue

Dearest candidate,



Thank you for the opportunity to interview you this morning for the Director position with my client. I appreciate your having explained to me the number of senior level executives with whom you golf on a regular basis and who are so fond of you. In addition, I apologize for not knowing who you were in advance and remain grateful for your sharing with me how much money you made five years ago.



The hiring manager has requested to only review candidates… Continue