Whether we are employed or not there are some days that are good, and some days that are bad. This was not turning out to be one of my better days. My network was silent for the third day this week and I was just about to give up my search for the day when the phone rang. It was a headhunter, who had arranged an interview with a company that was very similar to the one I used to work for. I remember feeling very comfortable as several top managers each spent an hour discussing my credentials. Three weeks prior, I had completed my third interview with this company. After I completed the interview, my headhunter called me and congratulated me on a job well done. “You are the top candidate for this position,” she happily chimed. “I just got a call from Human Resources and they told me that it is most likely that you will get an offer next week!” One week turned into two, and I called my headhunter, asking why I had not received an offer. “Do not worry,” the headhunter seemed very self assured. “For all practical purposes, you can stop your job search. The only reason why you have not received an offer is because top management had a meeting with HR. Top management told the Human Resources manager that, due to the high unemployment rate, I expect your department to produce at least four candidates before we make a choice. We have only provided three candidates so far, and you are the top choice. We just have not found another person who can compete with your record.”

Experience has taught me to have a healthy skepticism about headhunters. In the past they have helped me find some great positions, however when the job market quiets down, they tend to disappear, and you end up feeling forgotten. As a result, I always make sure to call headhunters I work with at least once a week. However I have never had a headhunter tell me that I could end my search, unless they also had an offer. So when the phone rang, I was sure that an offer was forthcoming. “Howard, I am sorry to inform you that my client has decided to choose another candidate.”

The words stung in my mind. It was like someone had taken a dagger to my throat…

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