I have come to understand what Tom Petty meant when he said, “The Waiting is the hardest part”

For several reasons. I’m a recruiter waiting, waiting, waiting on my clients to make offers, make comments, even to call me back. I have candidates that have been interviewing for 4 MONTHS. Seriously. However, in the midst of all this – indigestion, shortness of breath, anxiety-ridden thinking, I have realized that I can only do so much to control the situation. More importantly, I understand my place in this process – I am trying to learn the art of being assertive without being pushy, patient without being a doormat, etc. It’s been quite a learning experience. To all the candidates out there who are grumbling at your recruiters, please understand – we want you to get the job. Trust me. The waiting sucks for us too. I have lately seen several creative candidates take matters into their own hands…and it has been counter-productive. Do not, under any circumstances, start stalking, harassing, name-calling or exposing your childhood insecurities to a potential employer. Period.

Rejection hurts. We have all been rejected…so much so that we start to over anticipate rejection by kicking and screaming. We over analyze and become overwrought, which produces a very emotional response. I have seen candidates write emails to potential employers saying things like “Wow, I really thought we had a great interview…”

You are not a jilted lover. Please, do not act like one. You can stalk me incessantly; you can curse my name and being belligerent and impatient with me all you want. I would prefer you not, but please throw your childlike antics at me, not my client. I am here to represent you and get you a job. I am here to filter your communication with the ad agency you’re trying to charm, and I have your best interest at heart. We all must learn the art of waiting gracefully.

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