5 Things Recruiters Should Not Say To The Candidates

A guide by one of the best Headhunters in Germany

Of all the recruitment articles, one sees, there is a great deal of discussion around do’s and don’ts for the candidate. But there is another important dimension that should not be neglected. As one of the top Headhunters in Germany, we have learnt a great deal regarding what a recruiter should avoid saying to the candidate in an interview.

As someone who has worked in German Recruiting agencies for a long time, we know that  we are all human and are hence as likely to utter something silly as the candidate. So, here are the top 5 things which any recruiter should absolutely avoid saying in an interview:

1. “Which Celebrity Would Be Best Suited To Play You In A Movie?”

There could other questions like “In a fight, who do you think would win, a bear or a shark?” It is a humble request to all the recruiters, please do not ask such questions of the candidate. We 100 percent support all the fun and originality you want to bring in the interview, but such obscure questions are nothing short of toe-curling.

Such questions do not help in ascertaining anything valid about the candidate’s ability to think and react in a particular business situation. It does not reveal anything worth knowing about their personality. There are a lot of other means to help you find out whether a candidate is a cultural fit or not.

2. “We’re Looking For A Ninja.”

You might as well be looking for a rockstar as well. Let’s be honest. You are recruiting for an entry level retail job but use this phrase only if you are planning to embarrass your candidate.  Try to step into his shoes and imagine what you would reply to such phrase, “Oh yes sir, I sure am a ninja and would not only do my job but also entertain your clients with some A class ninja stunts.” Injecting a certain level of personality into the interview is fine but not to an extent that it gets ridiculous.

3. “I Wanted To Reach Out To You.”

This in particular has fast become the recruitment phrase de jour. This in short is a synonym for ‘contact’. But the problem with this phrase is that, it makes the candidate feel that he is in some destitute position from where he needs to be rescued. A word of advice here, ‘Abandon this phrase.’ I am sure, you can come up with something better than this.

4. “My Client Implies Business So There Is No Time To Waste.”

This phrase is as pushy as it is harsh. It is someone’s career we are talking about. Being in a hurry may help you save a bit time in your recruitment process but if you really want the market’s best talent, you need to be patient. Treat your candidates like stars. Do not urge them to take any decision in haste.

5. “Do You Have Experience With ASP.NET?”

It is more or less like asking someone, do you know C hashtag. Always gain enough knowledge around the skill set of the candidate and also the skills you are recruiting for. For this you do not need to be an expert in the field but you should know enough to have an intelligent and healthy discussion with the candidate. This would not only help you understand candidate’s strength in the skill you are looking for but will also make him excited to work with you in future.