Adding Romance Back to Recruiting

In today’s world of automation, applicant tracking systems, and quick-click hiring, recruiting has become increasingly transactional. But behind every résumé is a person—and behind every open position is a team hoping to find the right match. Somewhere along the way, the romance of recruiting got lost.

At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we believe it’s time to bring the romance back—to remind everyone involved that great hiring is a three-way partnership between the candidate, the recruiter, and the employer. When all three nurture the relationship, the result is trust, alignment, and long-term success.

Making a Good First Impression

Every relationship begins with how you show up.

• Recruiters introduce opportunities with clarity and enthusiasm.
• Employers create an experience that reflects authenticity and respect.
• Candidates come prepared, curious, and engaged.

Just like in any relationship, first impressions matter—on both sides. Candidates notice the professionalism, responsiveness, and tone of every interaction. From the initial outreach to the first interview, how a recruiter and potential employer presents themselves says everything.

Bailey recalled feedback from a candidate who shared that the employer arrived late to the interview, typed on her laptop throughout, and then abruptly stood up and left in the middle of the candidate’s sentence—without saying a word. Bailey noted that the experience would be long remembered by the candidate and serves as a powerful reminder that professionalism and presence go both ways.

That initial interaction—whether it’s a message, a call, or an interview—sets the tone for everything that follows.

Courting the Candidate

Courtship is about genuine interest, not just evaluation. Recruiters and employers should take time to understand the person behind the résumé—their motivations, goals, and values. Likewise, candidates should have the chance to see the heart of the organization. When the process feels like a conversation instead of an interrogation, both sides can determine if the connection is real. And, when both sides feel seen and heard, the process becomes less about evaluation and more about connection.

Romancing the Candidate

Romance in recruiting means making the experience memorable. That could be a personalized update from the recruiter, a hiring manager who shares a glimpse into the company’s future, or a candidate who follows up with genuine appreciation. Small touches create emotional connection—and emotional connection builds commitment.

Romancing the candidate means helping them to envision what life could look like inside your organization. This is where culture and storytelling matter. Share what makes your team proud. Introduce future peers.

At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we remind our clients that every touchpoint is a brand moment. Whether it’s a recruiter’s follow-up email or a hiring manager’s tone in an interview, every interaction either builds trust—or erodes it. We call these “moments of truth”—each one an opportunity to reinforce trust, respect, and enthusiasm.

Sharing the Love

Too many recruiting processes go silent after the interview. “Ghosting” is the opposite of romance. Recruiters and employers should “share the love” by keeping candidates informed, being transparent about timelines, and giving thoughtful feedback. Candidates remember how they were treated, even if they aren’t chosen. And word travels fast in every industry.

Showing Appreciation

Gratitude matters. A thank-you note from a candidate goes a long way—but so does a thank-you from the hiring manager. Taking the time to acknowledge a candidate’s effort, preparation, and professionalism creates goodwill that lasts beyond the offer stage.

Building a Lasting Relationship

Romance doesn’t stop at the offer letter. The best hiring experiences turn candidates into advocates—whether or not they join the company. Stay connected. Send updates. Celebrate their success. Recruitment, when done right, is relationship-building in its purest form.

Bringing It All Together

Recruiting should connect on a human level—it should be personal, engaging, and leave a lasting impression. The most successful organizations—and candidates—treat each other with the same respect and enthusiasm they hope to receive. It’s all about the experience—and in particular, the candidate experience.

Every interaction, from the first outreach to the final offer (or even the polite decline), shapes how someone feels about your organization. A thoughtful, well-managed experience communicates professionalism, integrity, and care—long before an employee’s first day.

A True Consulting Partnership

At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we live the “consultant” part of our name. We don’t just recruit — we advise. Our team provides candid counsel throughout the entire search process, from defining the role and assessing leadership fit to negotiating offers and onboarding the chosen executive. With decades of combined leadership and ownership experience, our consultants understand the stakes—and the impact—of getting executive hiring right.

Because in the end, great recruiting isn’t about transactions; it’s about relationships. And when candidates, recruiters, and employers all invest in creating a positive, authentic experience, everyone wins.