When Recruiting Top Candidates

What do you think?

A company has the need of an "Executive Director of Safety" they place an add on LinkedIn, Monster and others. They list all the requirements ad position duties as well as their vision for safety.

All of that information reads very well and catches the eyes of many prospective candidates. They setup and conduct many initial interviews and select several what seems to be qualified individuals. From them they setup a second round of phone interviews and the process continues until they get the number narrowed down to 3 of the most qualified candidates. At this point one of the surviving individuals gets some encouraging news while in the last interview; that is, we would like to set up a time for you to come down and meet the team. Now that would seem to be excellent news...but is it? the next question is "are you planning on being down are way anytime soon?" the reply was no over the next couple months I'll be working out east, but I can set something up with you to meet your needs for sure. The interview was concluded, and the phone was hung-up.

A couple days went by, and the phone rang, and it was the interviewing company. Again, great news...or was it? Once again, after a couple pleasantries' "we enjoyed speaking with you" "You have what we are looking for" "We would like to have you sit down and meet the team" and then the question was asked "are you going to be in our area soon?" The answer was similar to the first "no, not really as a regular part of my current duties, but I can meet any needs you can set up" the answer was simple "oh ok, we will be in touch" well it again seemed to be great news as now it seems as if travel plans would be coming. Well not so fast. Thats what you typically would think.

Two weeks went by without and news or plans of any kind. So, an email was put together outlining and highlighting the meetings and how everyone got along and seen safety in the same light as well as how close their visions were. The last line of the email was clear and to the point. "I was just wondering what the next steps were to be?" after a couple days an email came in answering the question. It too spoke of the enjoyment they had speaking and hearing about a vision they felt was attainable, and then the answer to the question, "We would be very excited to have you stop by and meet the team."

Well, I think you can follow the inference. So, in the last email sent in response to theirs said "I would love to come down and meet the team" and a bunch of already stated dribble. after another week or so with no response another email was sent stating "I was wondering if there was going to be next steps?"

The response from the company after 2 weeks. "My apologies for the delay in getting back with you. The hiring team has decided to move forward with another candidate at this time. We do appreciate you taking the time to interview with us. It was a pleasure talking with you.

Best of luck to you in the future.

?Thank you,

After thinking about it and expecting those exact statement it was time to decide what was next?

What would you do next?? Leave it alone? Send a nice email, thanking them for their time and consideration? or the path that was taken!

Response:

XXXX I just need to respond and typically wouldn’t, but this is a special situation.?

I expected the response I received as I wasn’t willing to pay for the trip down to meet your team and I’m sure your current candidate was. When recruiting an executive level candidate, it’s important to show your best side and you didn’t. I was interviewing you as well and the 4 times you asked if I was going to be driving by and could stop and meet your team, I felt was extremely unprofessional and showed a side of your company that explained why you are having safety issues. (Not willing to invest) I’m sure you will find candidates that will jump through hoops to get noticed and would walk there barefoot to have a chance for the title of "Executive Director of Safety" as a matter of fact I could refer a few, but remember you get what you pay for. I am a true safety professional that know how to manage safety and build world class programs for my many years of experience and my unique level of education, I deserve respect...no demand respect, not games. This information is to assist you in understanding how you recruit top level candidates and not meant to be sarcastic or off putting. Better luck with your next round of recruiting! Take care and please more than anything please be safe!?

Thoughts?