This week alone, I had three candidates reach out. Not about roles I’m recruiting for, not about interviews I set up, but simply to ask if they could pick my brain. One had multiple interviews lined up through other recruiters and wanted my take on the companies and their processes. Another had finally received an offer he’d been waiting on, but it fell a little flat, and he wanted my honest opinion before deciding. And the third had an offer elsewhere and just needed someone to talk it through with, to weigh the pros and cons. None of these opportunities came from me. None of these offers were through my firm. But they still came to me. They texted my phone. They said, “Hey, Sarah, can I pick your brain?” And I said, “Of course.” Because that’s what this business is about. If you’re a headhunter, recruiter, or talent partner and your phone isn’t blowing up with messages like that... if your candidates don’t see you as their go-to sounding board, it’s time to rethink how you’re doing this. This is a relationship business. People should feel comfortable reaching out. They should trust that you’ll respond, even when there’s nothing in it for you. No, my full-time job isn’t “giving advice” … but in a way, it is. Because in this hiring market, especially here in Houston, where I’ve spent 13 years building a network in senior-to-C-level Accounting, Finance, and HR, that’s exactly what relationships are built on. So to every recruiter out there, if you’re not the person your candidates call when they just need a voice, a gut check, or some grounded advice, you’re missing the whole point. We are here for the people. This is a relationships-first business. And it’s our job, now more than ever, to put humanity back into hiring. #humanizeit Monarch Talent Solutions
I agree. Sometimes people get annoyed if someone reached out to them for help if it doesn't mean it will help them financially. I understand we need to focus predominantly on work and our time is limited, but it won't hurt us to take time here and there to help someone out and expect nothing in return.
Totally agree with this. I have recruiters that I've stayed in contact with for 10 years after I landed a job through them or in some cases almost landed one but they helped through the entire process. I pick their brain. I look at offers they have and reach out to my network to make new connections. And in some cases just to see how they are doing. As you said. Giving advice and being there when needed pays out more over time than just doing a job. Thanks for being a caring person!
This is a powerful and much-needed message, Sarah. You are so right. In a world that often defaults to a "what's in it for me?" attitude, people lose their way. Your relationship-first approach isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital reminder that a purely transactional mindset isn't just selfish but also extremely short-sighted. It is more important than ever to take a little time to show compassion and add value, even when there's no immediate benefit. I strongly believe in paying it forward. You never know when the person you help might be in a position to assist you or someone else. Plus, what goes around comes around—karma! Helping someone, even when there's “nothing in it for you,” is how you build a genuine, lasting career and community. Kudos for being the reliable sounding board for your network. We need more of this. Thank you for setting a great example of bringing humanity back into hiring.
This is exactly the kind of mindset that separates real recruiters from transactional ones. When candidates reach out to you even when there’s no direct benefit to them or to you — that’s trust. And trust is earned over years, not through one placement. In my field (security), relationships work the same way. People don’t remember who sent the contract — they remember who gave them honest guidance when things were uncertain. What you described here is the real value of recruitment: being a reliable voice, not just a link in the hiring chain. Your candidates contact you because you’ve built credibility, empathy, and consistency. That’s what the industry needs more of.
Recruiters get a bad rep at times, but taking actions like this is how we create wins for candidates, clients, and the industry. And, no matter the outcome, it always feels good to help!
Few recruiters genuinely care; they set up interviews and expect success. If you fail, the support often vanishes, and you're typically ghosted.
Great job Sarah. I love these conversations, helping people navigate the job market, a co recruiter brainstorm or even a company who is not in the position today to pay for recruitment services will pay you back 10X in the future.
You are so correct; the last recruiter that placed me was taken everywhere I went and I referred most of her business. She knew me and how I worked and no matter the fee she saved me time and money everytime.
I've also seen an increase in candidates reaching out to get a better understanding of the local market, or to give feedback on their resume, or to just make a connection for future opportunities. I always try my best to offer my assistance, even if it's just a few words of encouragement. I feel like it's a simple way to show support for job seekers who are out there in the trenches.