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Recruiting Is Just Like Dating - Here’s Why

Recruiting Conversations

Release Date: 02/11/2025

If You Wouldn’t Respond to Your Own Recruiting, Change It show art If You Wouldn’t Respond to Your Own Recruiting, Change It

Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I address a growing problem in recruiting—lazy, spam-driven outreach that damages your brand and repels top talent. Too many recruiters and recruiting leaders rely on generic, mass-messaging tactics, thinking they’re taking a shortcut to success. Instead, they’re burning bridges, losing credibility, and making it harder for great leaders to reach the right recruits. If you want to recruit effectively in today’s world, you need a better strategy. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction – The problem with spam recruiting messages and why they don’t work. [01:30] The...

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Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I tackle a controversial topic—how recruiting leaders, internal recruiters, and external recruiters should (and shouldn’t) work together. Many recruiting leaders struggle with hiring support that truly works for their team. I break down why external recruiters often miss the mark, why internal recruiters tend to focus on the company over the leader, and the best way to structure a recruiting system that actually delivers results. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction – Addressing the common challenges leaders face when working with recruiters. [01:00] The Role of...

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Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I break down a powerful framework from Charles Duhigg’s book Super Communicators and apply it directly to recruiting. The best recruiters don’t lead with a sales pitch—they follow a natural flow of conversation: social, emotional, and decision-making. Understanding these three types of conversations will help you connect with recruits, build trust, and close more deals. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction – Why communication is the #1 skill recruiting leaders need to master. [01:00] The Three Types of Conversations – Social, emotional, and...

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Recruiting Is Just Like Dating - Here’s Why show art Recruiting Is Just Like Dating - Here’s Why

Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I explore the surprising parallels between recruiting and dating. From first impressions to long-term commitments, the way we engage with recruits is similar to how we build relationships. If you approach recruiting like dating—by focusing on connection rather than selling—you’ll build stronger, more meaningful relationships that lead to better hires and long-term retention. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction – Recruiting and dating have more in common than you think! Why understanding this concept can transform your recruiting success. [01:30] Recruiting Is Like...

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Recruiting Conversations

Losing a recruit can feel like a major setback, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In this episode, I share six critical steps to take after losing a recruit—actions that will keep you relevant and increase your chances of eventually winning them over. If you want to build a system that ensures you never truly lose a great recruit, this episode is for you. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction – The challenge of losing a recruit and why handling it correctly can turn losses into future wins. [02:00] The Reality of Recruiting – Why losing a recruit is inevitable but how...

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Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I explore how to keep recruits engaged after they’ve accepted your offer but haven’t started yet. By focusing on value, energy, and connection, I’ll show you how to bridge the gap between the offer acceptance and their first day, ensuring they join your team. If you’ve struggled with recruits dropping off after saying yes, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to close that gap. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction: Why post-offer engagement is critical and how up to 35% of recruits who accept offers never start. The episode focuses on actionable...

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Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I dive into what it means to be the kind of leader people never want to leave. By focusing on clarity, values, and vision, I’ll show you how to cultivate an environment that attracts and retains top talent. If you’re struggling with retention, this episode will help you become a leader worth following. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction - The concept of leadership growth and how becoming more valuable as a leader leads to better retention. [02:00] Daily Affirmation for Growth - A mindset shift: The leader you are today should not be hireable by your better self 10...

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Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I explore the significant impact of hiring decisions on team productivity. Drawing on research from the Kellogg School of Management, I discuss how hiring the wrong person can reduce production by 30%, while hiring top producers boosts team output by 15%. I share actionable strategies for setting hiring standards, aligning values, and navigating high-pressure recruiting situations. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction - The challenges recruiting leaders face in balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining high standards. [01:30] The Kellogg Study - How proximity to...

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Your Emails Are Costing You Recruits Subtitle: How 3 Small Email Shifts Landed A Big Recruit For One Leader show art Your Emails Are Costing You Recruits Subtitle: How 3 Small Email Shifts Landed A Big Recruit For One Leader

Recruiting Conversations

In this episode, I share a proven framework for crafting emails that close deals with hesitant recruits. Using a real-world success story, I reveal how moving from abstract promises to concrete specifics can make the difference between a signed offer and a lost opportunity. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction - The challenge of closing recruits when competitors enter the picture and how communication plays a critical role. [01:30] The Hail Mary Email - A coaching client’s experience with a recruit who was at the finish line but started to ghost. [03:00] The Problem with Abstract...

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Recruiting Conversations

In this special year-end episode, I challenge Recruiting Leaders to approach 2025 differently by rethinking how they manage their time. Drawing inspiration from unconventional success stories, like Rick Barry’s legendary underhand free throws, I encourage you to break free from cultural norms, focus on what truly matters, and double down on efforts that yield exponential results. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction - Reflecting on the past year and preparing for a breakthrough 2025. [02:30] The Lead Dog Principle - As a leader, your team will only go as fast as you lead them. Vision...

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More Episodes

In this episode, I explore the surprising parallels between recruiting and dating. From first impressions to long-term commitments, the way we engage with recruits is similar to how we build relationships. If you approach recruiting like dating—by focusing on connection rather than selling—you’ll build stronger, more meaningful relationships that lead to better hires and long-term retention.

Episode Breakdown

  • [00:00] Introduction – Recruiting and dating have more in common than you think! Why understanding this concept can transform your recruiting success.
  • [01:30] Recruiting Is Like Dating – The process of sorting through candidates, handling unpredictability, and managing ghosting.
  • [03:00] Why Selling Doesn't Work in Recruiting – Transitioning from a sales mindset to a relationship-building approach.
  • [05:00] The Complexity of Career Changes – How recruits weigh major life decisions and why leaders must guide them with empathy.
  • [07:30] The Slow Build vs. The Quick Close – Why recruiting isn’t about rushing but about building a foundation of trust.
  • [10:00] The Ideal First Contact – Crafting a compelling, non-sales-driven first conversation with a recruit.
  • [12:00] The Progression of Relationship Recruiting – Moving from initial conversation to deeper engagement without forcing commitment.
  • [15:30] The Power of Affirmation in Recruiting – Why affirmation is one of the strongest motivators in both dating and recruiting.
  • [18:00] Serving Before Asking – Why giving value first leads to stronger, more successful recruiting relationships.
  • [21:00] Dreaming With Your Recruits – How asking about their dreams over the next five years creates lasting loyalty.

Key Takeaways

  1. Recruiting Is About Relationships, Not Sales – Selling opportunities too early creates resistance, while relationship-building fosters trust.
  2. Slow Down to Speed Up – Just like dating, recruiting requires a natural progression to be effective.
  3. Affirmation Builds Connection – Encouragement and recognition go a long way in both recruiting and leadership.
  4. Put Their Interests First – Giving value before making an ask makes recruits more open to future opportunities.
  5. Help Recruits Dream – Leaders who help people reach their long-term goals will attract and retain top talent.

Recruiting isn’t about pushing opportunities—it’s about building trust and offering value over time. The best recruiters act like great relationship builders, leading with curiosity, affirmation, and genuine interest in their recruits' success. If you focus on relationships over transactions, your recruiting and retention will transform.

Want to build better recruiting relationships? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or schedule a coaching session at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s refine your recruiting strategy together!