Filling the Job - It Ain't Over 'til It's Over

The first runner-up gets the job many, many times.That's right. The number one finalist often falls out, and number two is hired…….

It's every company's headache...after what's often a lengthy process, they think they're about to close the file on the position when suddenly it's an active search all over again.

For recruiters, it's a nightmare...for all the reasons above and because recruiters don't receive the bulk of their fee until the candidate is placed. There's also usually a guarantee on the candidate, meaning if he or she falls out within a period of time after the start date, payment is refunded to the client.

Deals blow up for all kinds of reasons. For example:

1. The candidate got an offer from another company concurrently and opts to take that job.

2. The candidate and company can't come to terms regarding compensation.

3. The candidate's spouse decides he or she doesn't want to relocate at the last minute; the candidate withdraws.

4. The candidate didn't really want to relocate; he changes his mind at the last minute.

5. The candidate withdraws for reasons unknown.

6. Something happens during the due diligence phase:

--The hiring company discovers that the candidate lied about his educational credentials

--One of his references blows him out of the water

--Something is uncovered in the background check

7. Something happens during the probationary period that results in the candidate vacating the position.

--He changes his mind about relocation

--He was never serious about relocation and though he could get the company to change its mind once he was on board

--He changes his mind about the job

--He does something stupid that leads to his release (like massive abuse of relocation funds...or the SVP who spends the first 30 days on the job reading newspapers all day to get up to speed...both true stories)

You get the idea.

It's a pain for those on the hiring side, but great for all those candidates who are in the number two slot. (By the way, number two typically ends up to be a solid hire.)

So if you find out you're the runner up, take heart. It ain't over 'til it's over - you may still end up with the job.

This article reprinted in full without permission for the purposes of education and research, as permitted by Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976.