I love the business of recruiting. I love talking with candidates and learning more about their backgrounds and career goals. I love hearing from hiring managers and listening to the vision they have for their companies. And above all, I love making a great match between the two and seeing “happily ever after” take place (or at least for the next several years).I have to admit though, it drives me a little crazy when the commitment is not there on either side. Typically managers stay committed as long as the candidate holds up his/her end of the bargain. But candidates? Where’s the love?
As recruiters we know sometimes things can happen to prevent candidates from being able to make an interview or the start date they’ve committed to. But those occasions should be few and far between. If you, as a candidate, tell a recruiter or a manager that you can be available at a certain time for an interview, then be available. Barring emergency surgery or serious injury or death, there should be nothing preventing you from making the appointment you committed to.
Your recruiter is your friend. Granted there are a few out there just in it for the money, but most truly want to make a good match that can last for a while. But we can only do so much from our end. We will do whatever it takes to help you get the job you want, but you have to “help us help you.” No one likes to go to their manager with their tail between their legs saying their candidate has decided to quit after they’ve started a new job or they want to pull out of the running during the interview process. So what do we need from you? Try this for starters:
· Courtship takes time. If you don’t have time to dedicate to your job search, that’s ok. You won’t hurt our feelings if you say you’re not interested when we call you. We’d rather hold off until you’re ready.
· Don’t back out at the altar. If you choose to move forward with your search, then understand it requires time on your part. Managers interview during business hours, not usually during evenings and weekends (they have families, too, you know.) Give us times you can commit to interviews and avoid cancelling at the last minute (this includes phone interviews).
· Don’t expect your partner to change. We understand sometimes you may feel the job requires additional compensation should you discover the responsibilities have increased from your original conversation. But $10K worth? Not usually. There’s a budget for every job opportunity that often can’t be changed. Renegotiating after you’ve committed to a range doesn’t typically bode well with managers and could cost you the job entirely.
· Till death do us part. OK, maybe not death, but at least stick with it for a while. Everyone knows the first months of every relationship can be tricky, but it’s after you get to really know one another that things get good. Hang in there. Loyalty is a great trait to have.
Commitment to a new job may not be as crucial as commitment to a spouse, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Take it seriously and it could end up being one of the best relationships you’ve ever had.
