Handling Challenging Hiring Managers
Mastering In-house Executive Search
In executive search, dealing with difficult hiring managers is an inevitable part of the job. We encourage you to approach these challenges as opportunities for growth and relationship building.
Strategies for handling challenging hiring managers:
Dig deeper to understand concerns:
If they want to see all resumes, explore why
Identify the root cause of their dissatisfaction or mistrust
Use challenges to refine your service:
Adapt your approach based on their feedback
Demonstrate your commitment to meeting their needs
Be flexible, but not too accommodating:
Willingness to adjust shows adaptability
Being too flexible can undermine your expertise
Communicate openly and honestly:
Address issues directly, preferably in person or via phone
Avoid email for sensitive discussions
Educate on best practices:
Share industry insights and recruitment trends
Explain the rationale behind your methods
Set clear boundaries:
Define roles and responsibilities clearly
Establish mutually agreed-upon processes
Escalate when necessary:
If issues persist, involve your leadership
Prepare your manager for potential calls from the hiring manager
Remember, building trust is key. Show the hiring manager that you're committed to their success and that your expertise adds value to the process.
By effectively handling challenging hiring managers, you will not only improve current relationships but also develop skills that will serve you throughout your career in executive search.
