Love at First Interview? Why Rushing Into Job Offers is Like Proposing on the First Date

Let me set the scene for you. I have a good friend (let’s call him Brian) who, after each date he’d go on, would enthusiastically call me to announce that he was – once again – in love.

“Oh, Shannon,” he would gush. “I have such a good feeling about this one.” In fact, Brian had such a good feeling that he would start talking about the wedding and what he’d name his two imaginary children - even before they had locked in a second date!

Now, I personally haven’t been on a first date in over 10 years, but I’m confident things haven’t changed that much. And if that had been directed at me? I would have run.

The same principle applies to job interviews. Sure, if you're keen on a candidate and love your company, it's okay to express interest. But coming on too strong, too early, can be a turn-off. Trust me, I've seen it happen.

Take one recent client of mine, for example. They were eager – perhaps a bit too eager – and before the great candidate I had sent them could even decide if they wanted the job, an offer was on the table. That’s the hiring equivalent of proposing marriage before the second date.

So, my advice to fellow hiring managers? Take it slow. Let the interview process unfold naturally. Get to know each other properly before jumping to any conclusions. After all, the right fit takes time to discover, and rushing into things rarely leads to a happy ever after.

And hey, if it does work out in the end, I'll be the first one to raise a toast to your new hire. ??