Most calls from a recruiter to a prospective candidate all end the same way, “I am happy and do not want to make a move.” My retort always being, “Would you be open to hearing about other opportunities?” And let’s not even think about you making a move as it relates to this conversation. The people that answer they want to move, are usually not the people that I or my clients want to work with. So, when you do not want to make a move you put yourself in a “power “ position as it relates to the process.
Why a power position? Because you can now talk to a manager without the un-due pressure of making a move as your predominant thought. You can then ask much more thought provoking questions, get more detailed answers and unbiased answers. When the client knows that you are not desperate to make a move, or more importantly happy where you are – you get their interest. Everyone theoretically always wants what everybody has; it’s just human nature. So take advantage of this position to get your point across, that you can do the job that they want.
You don’t have to make a move. Take the pressure off the decision to make a move until you have all the facts. As of now, you are having pleasant and thought provoking conversations, not critical decision making conversations. As we are all aware, to get hired these days it can take a lot of interviews, as well as visits to the corporate headquarters, etc. So until we are at the final step, you don’t have to move. All you need to do is to determine if you want to go to the next level in the interview process.
Take each step for what it is: another learning experience for you and for the hiring manager to continue the due diligence process in vetting you, as well as you deciding if this is a firm you may want to join someday, but not today. There will come a point in the process where you will have to make a decision to move, but until you are at that place, take the pressure off yourself, and enjoy interviewing and meeting great people. If it is the right move you will both know it at the appropriate time.
About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all level Public Finance Bankers, Health Care Bankers, Municipal Financial Advisors, Compliance Officers, and Bond Counsels. He can be reached on LinkedIn, at [email protected] or 760-477-1284.