By Sandra Rivera, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown
If you’ve been recruiting long enough, you start to realize something important…
Your clients are a lot like your jeans.
Stay with me here.
The “Favorite Pair”
You know exactly which ones I’m talking about. The jeans that fit perfectly, feel great, and somehow make you look like you have your life together, even if you don’t.
These are your favorite clients.
The ones you want to work with. The ones you get excited about.
They communicate clearly
They respect your time
They trust your process
They actually hire the candidates you send
You don’t just work with them, you enjoy working with them. And just like your favorite jeans…You reach for them again and again.
The “Special Occasion” Pair
These jeans are great… but not for everyday wear. Maybe they’re a little tight. Maybe they require a specific top, the right shoes, and a full mental commitment.
These are the clients you work with occasionally.
The process is a bit more complex
The roles are niche or challenging
Communication isn’t always seamless
But when does it work? It works. And you’re glad you kept them around.
The “Why Do I Still Have These?” Pair
We all have them. They don’t fit right. They haven’t fit right in a while. And yet…
they’re still hanging in your closet. Why? “Maybe one day…”
These are the clients that… well… you probably should’ve let go of a while ago.
Constant back-and-forth
Unrealistic expectations
Slow processes, no hires
Feedback that makes you question reality
And yet, you keep thinking: “This next search will be the one.” (Spoiler: it’s usually not.)
The “Never Even Trying Them On” Pair
Then there are the jeans you walk past in the store and think: “Nope. Not for me.” Same goes for certain companies.
Misaligned values
Poor reputation
Processes that just don’t make sense
And that’s okay. Not every opportunity is meant for you, and not every client is worth pursuing. Sometimes the best business decision is simply saying: “We’re not the right fit.”
The Truth About Finding the Right Fit
Here’s the reality: You don’t find your favorite jeans by staring at them on a shelf. You find them by trying them on. Same with clients.
You have to:
Take the call
Work the role
Go through the process
And then, you’ll know.
Final Thought
Recruiting isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about building relationships that actually fit.
So keep the ones that work. Let go of the ones that don’t. And don’t be afraid to try on a few new pairs along the way. Because when you find the right fit…
You’ll know.