Scared Candidates? You are not alone

I am reflecting on where our surprises came from this past year. Besides the economy completely tanking in October--I really didn't see that coming--we underestimated the severity of how the real estate market affected our ability to move candidates. Looking in to my crystal ball for 2009, I anticipate a double whammy that I suggest recruiters and hiring authorities start addressing now: People's fear on making a move in a down economy coupled with a struggling real estate market.


We have all heard the phrase, "the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know". Well, we are already hearing from candidates that they would rather stay in their current role versus making a change with all the uncertainty in the economy. I expect that this sentiment on risk will continue to pervade the hunt for top talent into 2009.


We suggest that you begin from the very first conversation with a candidate to address the issues of stability, growth and commitment to the open role and be ready to explain in detail why the open position is critical to the company's success--and that you as well as any other interviewers continue to stress those points throughout the interviewing process. As you have heard me say before, employment branding is great, but the individual person is still focused on their personal experience and now more than ever, if they get a whiff from anyone through the process that your organization's stability is in question, they will, most likely, decline your offer. While you reevaluate which positions to move forward with this year, take the time and plan your message to them as well.