You’re Not Doing Anyone a Favor By Joining Their Pity Party

In recruiting, the conversations you have with candidates matter far beyond what you often realize. A great conversation isn’t just about solving problems or addressing concerns - it’s about how you make people feel.

If a candidate leaves a call with you feeling a renewed sense of hope, vision, and possibility after navigating a dry spell in their career… that feeling becomes transformative. It’s like a drop of water in the desert. It’s something they’ll want more of, something they’ll be drawn to again.

But what happens when a call simply mirrors the same frustrations they’ve shared with others?

If the conversation devolves into just another “pity party” where complaints are recycled and no constructive dialogue occurs, it diminishes the potential for growth and connection. In such cases, there’s no real difference in the experience, leading to a sense of futility and frustration that can overshadow any opportunity for positive engagement.

The art of blending compassion with inspiration lies in how you navigate these conversations...

When you engage with a candidate, your goal is to create a space for them to articulate their core issues, and to listen attentively as they share. However, you don’t stop there. You also pose the question:

“Where are you going?”

This inquiry redirects the conversation towards solutions and possibilities rather than dwelling on problems. By fostering a forward-thinking mindset, you create momentum that inspires action and optimism.

Recruiting goes far beyond simply filling a position; it’s about shaping and influencing the course of someone’s personal and professional journey. Every conversation has the potential to ignite a new sense of purpose and direction.

Coaching plays a huge role in this process. The way you coach candidates towards their potential, how you ask them meaningful questions, and how you push them to think beyond their current situation - these are the things that create lasting impact. People often shy away from the role of “coach” because they assume it will not be well received but I can assure you that people are eager for grounded advice and guidance.

When we approach recruitment through the lens of coaching and with a commitment to truly meaningful dialogue, we have the power to shift not just how a candidate views their current situation, but to open doors they hadn’t imagined. This kind of impact can redefine their future, helping them see new possibilities and paths forward they may have thought were out of reach.

By creating an environment rich in enthusiasm and potential, you forge relationships that are rooted in trust and mutual respect. This deeper connection transforms the recruitment process into a collaborative journey, where candidates feel inspired and valued - not just as candidates, but as individuals with unique aspirations and talents.

-Joe

Joe Arroyo is the expert on recruiting, selecting, training, and retaining world-class talent. As CEO of Vision Architect and Convert, him & his team have been "building business by building people” since 2001.

PS. Whenever you're ready, here’s 3 ways we can help you build your business by building people:

1. If you need help designing a wildly profitable recruiting process- from defining your value proposition to crafting a seamless candidate journey that retains- click here.

2. Get appointments with qualified candidates dropped on your calendar weekly by our "Done For You" Recruiting team.

3. If you need help getting into conversation with referral partners in your target market, let's connect on our "Done For You" Alliance Partner Solution.

Oh, and... check out VISION ARCHITECT:
www.visionarchitect.com