By Sandra Rivera, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown
Have you ever thought about how working with a recruiter is a little like working with a lawyer?
Hear me out! Both roles have something important in common: advocacy.
You want someone who understands your situation, represents your interests, and is willing to have difficult conversations to help you get the best possible outcome.
A recent experience reminded me why this matters so much.
I was working with a candidate who had successfully completed the interview process, received an offer, and was excited to join his new company.
Then life happened…
Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, he needed to push back his start date significantly.
As recruiters, we know this can be a difficult conversation. Companies have deadlines, projects, and teams depending on new hires. But candidates have lives outside of work, and sometimes unexpected things happen.
This is where having the right recruiter in your corner makes a difference.
Rather than simply delivering the news, I worked closely with the candidate to understand his situation and then had an open conversation with the hiring team.
My goal wasn't to pressure anyone. It was to find a solution that respected the candidate's circumstances while addressing the company's needs.
And guess what? The company agreed to move his start date!
What meant the most to me was when the candidate thanked me for "going to battle for him."
That really stayed with me because it's exactly how I see my role as a recruiter.
Recruiting isn't just about submitting resumes, scheduling interviews, or negotiating salaries. It's about building relationships, earning trust, and advocating for people when it matters most.
And advocacy goes both ways.
Candidates need to be honest with their recruiters, and hiring managers need to communicate their concerns and expectations. We can't solve problems we don't know about.
Just like having a good lawyer, you want a recruiter who understands your situation, communicates effectively, and is willing to stand up for you.
Of course, we won't win every battle. But we should always be willing to have the conversation.
The goal isn't for one side to win and the other to lose. It's for everyone to work together toward the best possible outcome.
And to the hiring teams willing to show flexibility and understanding, thank you! Sometimes a little patience makes the difference between losing a great candidate and gaining a valuable employee.
At the end of the day, a great recruiter doesn't disappear when the offer is signed. We're there to help everyone cross the finish line.