1. If you receive an email with three questions, please answer three questions. Not one. Not two. Three questions. I promise to do the same so we don’t spend a week back and forth.

2. If you don’t have time to look at a candidate, tell me that and tell me when you can. I promise not to keep hassling you about it.

3. If the job I’m working on is filled/no longer a priority/on hold you should tell me as soon as you know. I agree not to hold a grudge and move onto the next search for you right away.

4. If you like a candidate, tell me that you do and what you’d like to do about that in the same email so I don’t have to then send another email asking you how you’d like to proceed. I will do my best to get that person on the phone ASAP.

5. When asking about a candidate’s availability, give me yours so I can coordinate schedules. Again, my goal is to make it happen sooner rather than later.

6. Once we get an interview scheduled, let me know what my candidates can expect. Who will be part of the interview (names/job titles) and is there anything my candidate needs to have prepared? I promise to provide you with contact information and everything you need on this candidate.

7. If you aren’t compelled to interview the candidate, let me know why so I can fine tune my search towards the type of person you really want. I agree to course correct and listen to your feedback in future submissions.

8. Go through me when contacting my candidate. Since I’m the one with the primary relationship, it eases up on any confusion. I agree to pass on any questions and scheduling requests immediately and honestly.

9. If you know there’s something new coming in, you should tell me so I can start looking for the best folks for you right away. If it’s confidential, I can keep my mouth shut. If it hasn’t been approved, that’s okay too. But as long as I’m looking, I might as well have another one to keep in mind for you as I’m talking with folks.

10. Let’s agree to keep each other in the loop. If you are hot on someone else, I can take it. I won’t cry. But I need to prepare my candidate or keep them warm while you determine if your first choice is going to accept. If everyone is in love with my candidate, that’s also good to know. I promise to only share what is appropriate. I know who signs my checks.

[tags]interview, candidate, hiring revolution, primary relationship[/tags]