Recruiter, podcaster, and process evangelist Darren Saul returns to More Than a Few Words to unpack a painfully relatable story: the one that got away. After weeks of work, multiple interviews, and a seemingly perfect match, Darren’s top candidate vanished right after receiving the offer—without so much as a “thanks, but no thanks.” Ouch.

But this isn’t just a story about recruitment. It’s a wake-up call for marketers, sales pros, and anyone who works with humans (aka all of us). Because whether you're filling a role, closing a deal, or pitching a new client, the lessons are the same: assumptions kill deals, and skipping steps in your process will always come back to haunt you.

Even perfect processes can fail if you don't fully qualify the people you're dealing with.

Ghosting isn’t just rude—it’s bad business. Burning bridges happens silently and swiftly.

Recruitment and sales are two sides of the same coin: both require curiosity, follow-through, and respect.

Process isn't optional. Skipping steps may feel faster, but it will cost you in the long run.

Qualify early and thoroughly. Ask the hard questions up front: Are they really ready to make a move? Who else is involved in the decision?

Treat recruitment like sales. Whether it's a client, candidate, or customer—if you're not uncovering hidden decision-makers or motivations, you’re setting yourself up for a surprise.

Build a repeatable process. Ad hoc might get you a few wins, but systems scale success.

Stay professional—even when others don’t. When someone disappears, take the high road. It pays off in long-term reputation.

Track the quiet ones. That candidate who ghosted? He’s still in the same job. You dodged a bullet.

Darren is a Serial Podcaster, Strategist, Trainer, Coach, Keynote Speaker and Student of Human Attention.