The Significance of “Time Kills Deals”

As a recruiter, I have witnessed time and time again how crucial the phrase “time kills deals” is often used to emphasize the importance of making timely decisions in business, yet people tend to believe it only applies to others. It emphasizes the importance of making timely decisions and not relying on verbal promises until an official offer is made.

This phrase is particularly relevant in the hiring process, where delays can cause candidates to lose interest or take other offers, and companies to miss out on top talent. In a fast-paced business environment, every day counts and waiting too long can be detrimental to both parties involved.

Waiting for a Promised Job Opportunity

I have helped my candidate secure several job interviews. However, the first company did not offer a strong enough opportunity, so she quickly dismissed it. The second company seemed very interested in her, but just three days after her interview, they informed us that the company was on a hiring freeze. The hiring authority asked if she could wait until May or June, with the promise that the requisitions would be open by then. I couldn’t help but laugh and asked,” which May or June do you think he has in mind?” It was only the beginning of March, and in my profession, three months might as well be a year. Waiting for that long means nothing and no candidate should be expected to do so in the normal world of business.

This left us with two good companies, both with good opportunities for her. She liked one of them a little better than the other, and both companies were now in their third week of interviewing her. However, it’s important to remember that time kills deals.

The company she liked the best informed her that she was their top choice and they were going to hire her. Meanwhile, her second choice, which was close to the first, told us they would get back to us in a day or two. However, last Monday came and went without any news from them.

I called the hiring authority of her first choice to explain the situation. Surprisingly, after three weeks of interviewing, he and his boss still needed to get corporate approval. On top of that, they were uncertain when they would receive approval, only being told “in a week or so.”

Her close, but second choice, called her today and offered her the job. She accepted and starts work in two weeks. This situation just proves that hiring can be messy and unpredictable, and it can never be accurately predicted, even when people assure you that you’re going to get the job.

Throughout this whole ordeal, my candidate handled the situation gracefully and never got too upset. She was understandably frustrated, but there was nothing she could do about it. If her first choice gets “approval,” they are going to have to start the interviewing process all over again.

The Unpredictability of the Hiring Process

Never put all your eggs in one basket and never believe someone when they tell you they’d like to hire you until they make an offer. These are two important lessons that my candidate and I learned during this hiring process. It can be frustrating and unpredictable, but it’s important to keep your options open and not rely on just one opportunity.

In the end, my candidate found a good job with the second company she liked, even though it wasn’t her first choice. It’s important to stay patient and be prepared for any outcome. You never know when a company may suddenly change their hiring plans or need to get corporate approval. By keeping multiple options open and not relying on just one opportunity, you can increase your chances of finding the right job for you.