The Dangle

It is NOT a guarantee. It's a persuasive effort.

Recruitment is often a mysterious, "black box" process, filled with hidden tactics and strategies that many job seekers are unaware of. One such tactic, "The Dangle," is a persuasion technique in which a hiring executive entices a candidate by suggesting they will be quickly promoted once they take a lower-level position. While this may sound appealing, it is rarely a guarantee. Many managers fall into the trap of fixating on the higher role, neglecting to properly evaluate the actual job being offered. This inefficiency in hiring leads to frustration and misguided career moves.

To combat the Dangle, job seekers must ignore the promise of the second job and focus only on the position being discussed. Hiring executives use this approach to make a job appear more attractive, but candidates should approach every opportunity based on what is tangible, not hypothetical. This means assessing the current job offer against one’s existing role and career goals without factoring in the allure of an uncertain promotion. By maintaining this perspective, professionals can make smarter, long-term career decisions.

In this episode of The Interviewing Series, we break down how to recognize and respond to the Dangle without being misled. From keeping quiet about promotional promises to maintaining realistic expectations, we provide practical strategies to ensure you stay in control of your career path. Whether you’re an aspiring executive or simply looking for your next opportunity, understanding this common recruiting technique will help you avoid disappointment and make informed career choices.

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