Best compliment you’ve ever received?

Reflections on a Memorable Compliment in the Recruitment Industry

With over seven years of experience in the recruiting and talent acquisition field, I’ve encountered a wide range of feedback from candidates, clients, and colleagues. Nonetheless, today’s interaction stands out as arguably the most impactful compliment I have ever received.

During the conclusion of an intake interview, the candidate—a director-level professional—looked me in the eyes and said, “Can I just tell you something… this has been the best recruiter call I’ve had in my entire life.” Hearing those words was both gratifying and humbling.

While I tend to believe that my specialized questioning—focused on niche roles—and a few light-hearted jokes may have contributed to the positive impression, it’s genuinely encouraging to know that my approach resonated with the candidate. It reaffirmed that even after years of following a consistent script, personalized and thoughtful engagement can make a significant difference.

It’s worth noting that the candidate’s seniority level added particular meaning to the compliment. Praise from a director-level professional carries a weight that makes the recognition all the more rewarding, compared to feedback from junior candidates.

This moment made me reflect on the power of genuine communication and the importance of leaving a memorable impression, regardless of how routine our interactions might seem.

What about you? Have you ever received a compliment in your professional life that truly made an impact? Would love to hear your stories and experiences with moments of unexpected acknowledgment.