A very useful post that I hope is read by many. Almost daily, I work with candidates as a recruiter and job search coach on the importance of ‘re-understand’ the opening in the interview so what is being sought by the employer is transparent. Either, as you’ve noted, the candidate is too focused on their own agenda, or they don’t let ‘their integrity guide the decision’ (great line!).

The way I coach it is very similar to the way agency recruiters ‘take a job order’ – this can be a powerful way for the candidate to assess and match (and to close if there is a match). The integrity you mention can also be especially powerful if the candidate determines, either on the spot or upon reflection, that there is not a fit. Then there is a relationship that can be revisited which might lead to other opportunities if managed properly.

Great post – thanks, Bill!