First candidate blew me away.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 12:08AM UTC

   I would reach out to say that they’re a front runner, but we do have other candidates to see - please keep me informed as you progress with other prospects!”

   This has been asked of me before, and I’m happy to do it - just remember if they come back and say they’d like to finish the process elsewhere, that you respect that too.

2. Bonnie CoventryFebruary 28,2023 at 1:15AM UTC

   I don't think it's inappropriate to let them know that they are a top candidate. I would caution putting that 'another offer' in their heads, to be honest. I believe if you have their 'buy in' into the company that they typically are also excited and would let you know anyways. If they don't, then maybe the feeling wasn't mutual. Yes, having discernment of staying open to the other candidates is so important as you want to be fair and consistent. If top candidate falls through you need to have a possible bench ready to consider. Good luck!

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 28,2023 at 1:50AM UTC

   First off, if you have a recruiter - have them do this.

   I would not say anything about you being blown away, about them being an awesome candidate and definitely nothing about them being the front runner. I would caution you from making a decision before you interview the other candidates. If you do that, you're not giving them a fair shake.

   If the recruiter is doing this, ask the recruiter to get feedback from the candidate on how they think it went. They may not think it went as well as you do. Then have the recruiter ask the candidate to keep them in the loop - if they're going in for second or final round interviews, if they're anticipating or get an offer - to please let your recruiter know.

   If you're doing it, skip over asking for feedback on yourself and do the rest.

   I ask every candidate I interview to do this.

4. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 2:56PM UTC

   as a seasoned recruiter, I always ask candidates to let me know if they have another job offer. I know some of them say they do to push the envelope, and in some cases I was not able to move things foward because of approval, processes and procedures, but some cases over the years I was able to put together an offer. Either way the communication would be welcomed and most candidates really appreciate it, my hands on ability to open the doors to communicate about these kind of things stood out as a recruiter.

5. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 5:53PM UTC

   Is there something preventing you from making the offer right now? Especially in today's market, strike while the iron is hot, as they say. If you know you're going to hire this person, please don't waste the other candidates' time. I'm also sure you'd rather not waste your time speaking with people you know you're not going to hire.

6. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 8:15PM UTC

   HR said we had to interview 3 candidates (government). 2nd candidate was solid contender, but 3rd candidate isn't competitive. Superstar was a complete unknown. We weren't stacking the deck, just pulled the only reasonably qualified candidates for interview. And we didn't deliberately schedule in any order. Sent them all the same options.

7. Susan MyersMarch 1,2023 at 4:35PM UTC

   As a HR Professional as well as Recruiter, you might reach out to find out how the candidate felt about the interview and ask if they have any questions or need further clarification. If you still feel the same then you can let them know that they are a top contender and that you would like to know if they receive another offer prior to giving any further details. Do let the canidate know you timeline.

   Please interview the other candidates prior to making an offer as you never know who else you may be drawn to as well. This should be done for the sake of the company as well as for the candidate.

   Good luck.

8. AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 8:15PM UTC

   Are you a recruiter? If so you should have asked her timeline and about who else she is interviewing with. If you have not it's certainly late but not too late to ask now. Let her know she is a finalist and that if she does end up at a decision point you hope that she will let you know before the deadline so that you can do on your end what you need to - to push her ahead when you get the green light.

9. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMarch 2,2023 at 1:24PM UTC

   Hi there - you don't say what your role is with the company although I presume you're the hiring manager?

   Generally your recruiter/TA team should have rapport with candidates and would, as part of pre-screening ask if the candidate has anything in play as far as other roles. We of course, have to trust our candidate to be honest in their answer.

   I always ask my candidates to let me know as soon as something changes on the job front i.e., their dream job popped up overnight.

   And I relay the information to the hiring manager.

   It's amazing how many "dream jobs" can pop up when someone knows they're the leading candidate and then we get into a bidding war - so also a good idea to make sure your TA team has been managing expectations (yours and the candidate's)

   Finally - remember, people do people things. I once had the candidate accept our offer, complete background information and then call the day before their start date to say they changed their mind (which I anticipated and let the Hiring Manager know )- because I saw her post her >other< new job on LinkedIn days before she was start with us.

   Luckily we had been consistent and objective throughout the interview process and could move to the next choice candidate without skipping a beat.

10. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 3:02PM UTC

    I appreciate your comments on jobs. Currently I'm looking for a better position as a delivery driver or just a good position with a reputable company. For example Kroger delivery or medical transport but wages need to be $27 hr. Very capable and professional. Courtesy .

11. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

    I was excited about one job I interviewed for a few years ago. They asked if I had any other offers and wanted me to let them know. The hiring manager was very nice, and I liked her, but then she called to tell me they went with someone else, but I was number 2. It was heartbreaking at the time. However, now I have a great job and am very thankful the first didn't work out. After the rejection, I was shy about telling anyone whether I had another offer or not. I like to be honest, but sometimes I worry that it's to keep many on the hook. I think it is nice to let them know you are interested.

12. AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 8:17PM UTC

    Such a great topic.
    I am currently in this situation as a candidate. I have interviewed with the HM and a peer with an AWESOME company and my #1 choice. There could potentially be a 3rd interview, but that has not occurred yet. I want them to make me an offer. The recruiter did mention to please let them know if I have other movement. (not in those words). I am 100% terrified of telling them I have something else. Just today I was scheduled for final round interview next week with a second company and grateful, but really really want to work for my #1 choice. Is it just a risk I have to take? Any suggestions?