I need to take today's posting to describe a recent situation and get your candid feedback. I am quite puzzled by a candidate's actions recently and am at a loss for words.
I have been executing a search for a client in Lower NY & Long Island and have had a difficult time recruiting qualified candidates. The difficulty comes from the company's mere location, as no one is interested in moving to Long Island. By some luck, I identified a passive candidate through a referral, who was in fact interested in the opportunity.
By "interested," I mean that this person would potentially move into a more senior role with his current company's largest competitor, have a shorter commute, and make $20K on his base salary. It was a great opportunity!
The candidate was local so they went straight to an in-person interview and supposedly hit it off. The candidate debriefed with me and indicated the interview went well and he was looking forward to taking the next steps. Shortly thereafter, the client debriefed with me and provided similar sentiments.
Four days later, Sunday, the candidate constructed a well thought out letter, removing himself from the process. No rationale was given, only thanks for our time and consideration.
And then he was gone......
I tried email and phone, no response. I left voicemails asking for a rationale and reason - NOTHING. He just up and fell off the face of the earth. The company HR Manager even tried tracking him down but to no avail.
Now I understand that people change their minds, it's human nature. But if candidates want AND expect open communication with recruiters and hiring managers, then candidates need to show a similar respect. I am obviously never working with this individual again as they have permanently burned a bridge with me - BUT someone please tell what this individual is thinking??
I mean, with a downturn economy, you would think someone would be happier going to a larger, more stable company that would provide a shorter commute and an extra $20K on the base compensation. It's a no-brainer for me, but I am obviously missing something.
Someone please tell me what I should think of this situation....
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1 comment:
Trip... you are correct, there should be an equal level of professionalism and respect. However, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Who knows what drives people to do and act the way they do. Apparently this individual wasn't that interested in making a change and after considering the facts decided he had no interest. That being said, I am sure you are aware, people are motivated in different ways and to some, money and a shorter commute mean alot, and to others it means little. You will probably never know the reason for his behavior however, their is no excuse for not treating others with respect.
David
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