"The unexamined life is not worth living." -Socrates

Recruiters live examined lives while always in pursuit of the truth. There should really be a show about these men and women who strive to gain knowledge and not only source great candidates but weed out the bad ones. Seekers of Certainty. It could be called The Trenches and the theme song could be "Who are you? Who, who? Who, who?" But alas and alack, that's already been done.

Every conversation held is an opportunity to further understand the minds of those we seek. It is easy to get lost in a sea of paper and caught in a nightmare where giant résumés eat their young and possibly a recruiter or two. That giant résumé represents a name, a face, a mind, and body. It is not Candidate #24601, clad with ball and chain, whom you summon to your room of questioning. Do not get tangled in the web where losing your curiosity costs you the joy of this job. Seek details and love the seeking. Hunt the right fit and cherish the hunt. Search for classic commonalities and delightful differences among those who cross your path and cast a shadow in your virtual realm.

Living in a time where the screening of calls and networking bombardment greets each day can try even the patience of a dead horse. Get a grip on the keys essential to each and every assignment. Don't let the big one get away because a callous nature was allowed at your table. The interesting thing about this business is that every conversation held today has the potential to build tomorrow's house. This candidate might not be right for that job but the req that comes in next week might prove the perfect fit. And here's a McNugget for you: Not only can a golden candidate become a golden client - but so can the bronze one. Catch the gold that falls through the cracks; it might be your bread and butter tomorrow.

Julia Stone once told me that the better relationships seem to develop with the candidate who came in second - the unChosen One. You go through this process with them, delving into the details of the how's and why's. And that is humanity. You have identified with them because you have examined them. You remember them - you may even send a birthday card. One thing is certain, you call them again. A relationship has been established and the desire to maintain it is what makes you human.


She was perfect for the job, excellent education, broad experience, and a great personality. She was perfect except..., the client didn't think so. "Give the reality of where they stand in the process." Another Julia gem (Stone = gem, get it?) The candidate now goes into your CSA (candidate savings account) with the other silver and bronze medalists. What goes around comes around, they say. No longer viable does not mean no longer valuable. Reach out and say the words, "Sorry, they aren't moving forward with your candidacy." Respect is more than a spelling test, and greater than a song.

A life examined? Aristotle called it "a life of reason."