As recruiters we build a strong rapport with the candidates as well as the clients. We call and check in with them, we prep them for interviews, we negotiate on their behalf, and we cross our fingers that they land that job they want. We are their cheerleaders, rooting them on from the sidelines: “Oh Josh is such a great guy and Media Director…I really hope they see that and hire him.”

But at the same time, the agency is the client and our ultimate goal is to help them make the best hire possible. If they don’t see that special something in Josh, it is their right, and it is our job, to break it off. Probably my least favorite part of recruiting is the break- up call. I know that Josh was super excited about the position and had already started to look for houses – now I have to call and tell him “Hey Josh, Agency X REALLY liked meeting with you, but are going to have to pass.” Then come the questions – “Oh, did they give you any feedback? Is there something that I did wrong? What can I do better next time? Why? Why? Why?”

In this situation we try to be honest but also gentle – just like ending a relationship with a significant other (see Amy Hoover’s blogs for more dating comparisons). “Well Josh, they were just looking for someone with a little more experience in this area. They will keep your resume on file if another position opens that may be a better fit.” Never mind the fact that the agency basically gave us the brutal honest facts that Josh doesn’t seem like a “cultural fit,” Steve is just 100 times better, and to tell you the truth - Josh smelled like a sewer.

While it is a part of the job – breaking up is hard to do as a recruiter. We want you to find the perfect match – but a part of us still wants to help out guys like Josh. But there is always the recovery process and the light at the end of the tunnel. We don’t forget about Josh – we keep him in mind for other jobs and we refer him to other recruiters in hopes that another agency’s “pass” is another agency’s hire.

[tags] Talent Zoo, advertising, marketing, recruiting, breaking up, hiring [/tags]