As a recruiter, I have had several experiences dealing with difficult hiring managers, but one specific instance stands out in my mind. A few years ago, I was working with a hiring manager at XYZ Company who was extremely demanding and hard to please. Regardless of how many candidates I sent their way, they always found some issue and rejected them.

To handle the situation, I took a step back and spent some time understanding their specific needs and requirements for the role. I scheduled a meeting with the hiring manager to discuss their expectations and the qualities they were looking for in a candidate. I listened carefully to their concerns and objections to the candidates I had previously sent, and asked probing questions to dig deeper into what they were really looking for.

Based on that conversation, I revised my search criteria and began looking for more tailored candidates who better matched their specifications. I used my network and reached out to industry colleagues to find more suitable candidates. Once I had found a few potential matches, I pre-screened them and scheduled interviews with the hiring manager.

During the interview process, I worked closely with the hiring manager to ensure that they were getting the information they needed from the candidates to make informed hiring decisions. I provided feedback to both the candidates and the hiring manager to continuously improve the process and make sure that everyone was on the same page.

In the end, we were able to identify a candidate who met the hiring manager’s expectations and was a great fit for the role. By taking the time to understand their needs and collaborating with them throughout the hiring process, I was able to successfully handle the situation and deliver a successful hire.

Relevant Citation:

• Cornerstone OnDemand: Tools and Training to Help Recruiters Handle Difficult Hiring Managers
• TalentLyft: 9 Effective Tips for Managing Difficult Hiring Managers