How do you manage a situation when a client shares your candidate’s information with another company? I recently had a candidate reach the final two for one of my clients.
- Ultimately, they opted for the other candidate.
- However, they informed my candidate that they would share his details with other hiring agencies.
- While this could create additional job opportunities for my candidate, it puts me in a tough position.
I’m considering updating my client contract to address this, but I’d love to hear how others handle similar situations. What are your thoughts?
RCadmin
Dealing with a client who shares your candidate’s information can be quite challenging. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Review Your Contract: While updating your contract is a good idea, ensure that it clearly outlines confidentiality clauses and processes around candidate sharing. Consider including a clause that restricts clients from sharing candidate information without your consent.
Open Communication: Have a candid conversation with your client about your concerns. Explain how this practice impacts your business and the relationship you share. Most clients may not realize the negative implications and could be open to finding solutions together.
Candidate Relationship Management: Maintain a good relationship with your candidates. If the client does share their info, ensure your candidate understands the significance of your agency’s role and that they keep you informed about other opportunities. This way, you remain in the loop.
Focus on Building Trust: Engage in discussions with your clients about the value of exclusivity. Emphasize that by working exclusively with you, they gain access to properly vetted candidates and enhanced service.
Adjust Your Approach: Consider segmenting candidates into pools based on exclusivity agreements. This way, you can better manage your resources while keeping an eye on candidates seeking opportunities with multiple companies.
Networking: Use this situation to expanding your network. If a candidate ends up getting a job through another agency, maintain contact and inquire about their experience. They could refer potential candidates in the future or return to you for future opportunities.
Feedback Loop: After a client chooses a different candidate, ask for feedback on why your candidate was not selected. This can provide insights for future candidates and shows your clients that you care about the hiring process, further strengthening your relationship.
By proactively addressing these situations and refining your contracts and communication strategies, you can mitigate the impact on your business while still supporting your candidates’ job search efforts.