Wine and Cheese

"Does cheese go bad if it's never been opened?" my co-worker asked. No, we don't discuss cheese all day just because we live in Wisconsin. After some thought, we determined that though it may be safe to eat the cheese, only bad things happen with time.

Unlike a fine wine that gets better with time, the hiring process is more like the cheese. As time goes by, only bad things happen. Hiring managers be aware: if the candidate comes off of the interview or initial phone screen with excitement and anticipation, it will be diminished if they don't hear from you in a timely fashion. Do take the time to run background checks and make sure this is the right cultural fit for your company, the right revenue producer. But while you may be taking your time making a decision, realize that the candidate is thinking, wondering why he/she hasn't heard from you, and contemplating another offer that is looking sweeter by the minute.

Indecision is often a decision in itself. Don't let the cheese go bad.