Current Recruiter here – you guys need a reality check

The Challenges of Modern Recruiting: A Call for Greater Engagement and Authenticity

In today’s competitive job market, recruiters often encounter a common set of questions and frustrations that can hinder the hiring process. Among these, one recurring query from candidates is: “Why does this opportunity sound appealing to you?” While seemingly straightforward, this question signals a broader issue—are recruiters and hiring managers truly engaging with candidates effectively?

The Limitations of Standard Application Questions

Many applications request candidates to articulate why they are interested in a particular role. While understanding motivation is crucial, relying solely on written responses can sometimes obscure genuine intent. Candidates may craft generic answers or struggle to articulate their enthusiasm, leading to misaligned expectations and miscommunications later in the hiring process.

The Power of Personal Conversations

Instead of depending exclusively on written responses, recruiters should consider adopting a more personal approach. A simple phone call can often provide invaluable insights into a candidate’s true motivations, character, and cultural fit. Engaging candidates in real-time dialogue allows recruiters to assess their enthusiasm, clarify misconceptions, and build rapport—elements difficult to gauge through static application forms.

Moving Beyond Lazy Recruitment Practices

If a candidate’s resume already aligns with the role’s requirements, why not take the initiative to connect via phone? Sometimes, it’s the most straightforward steps that yield the best results. Relying indefinitely on written applications can sometimes reflect a lack of effort or creativity in sourcing quality candidates. Proactive engagement demonstrates genuine interest and significantly enhances the likelihood of making successful placements.

Conclusion: Embracing a More Authentic Hiring Process

As recruiters, our goal should be to connect authentically with candidates, understand their motivations, and ensure they are genuinely excited about the opportunity. This requires moving beyond checklist questions and embracing more direct, personal communication methods. By doing so, we can improve the quality of our hires, foster better candidate relationships, and ultimately build stronger teams.

Let’s challenge ourselves to be more proactive, more engaged, and more authentic in our recruitment efforts. It’s time for a reality check—are we doing enough to truly understand the people behind the resumes?