I was approached by a candidate who was an IPA (registered insolvency practitioner). He was also a..

I was approached by a candidate who was an IPA (registered insolvency practitioner). He was also a recovering alcoholic just out of a treatment centre as a result of stress. Everyone wanted IPAs, as liquidations were the only business that was thriving! He had been rejected by all of my competitors, the major names in my market as they felt his background and recent experiences would cause them problems. I felt that, as long as we were honest and he was honest with potential employers, then I could help him. I took a very straight approach with all of the potential clients and told them

I was approached by a candidate who was an IPA (registered insolvency practitioner). He was also a recovering alcoholic just out of a treatment centre as a result of stress. Everyone wanted IPAs, as liquidations were the only business that was thriving! He had been rejected by all of my competitors, the major names in my market as they felt his background and recent experiences would cause them problems. I felt that, as long as we were honest and he was honest with potential employers, then I could help him. I took a very straight approach with all of the potential clients and told them exactly what the situation was and what my thoughts were on the candidate. We ended up with offers from all the Big Eight at the time as well as others. He chose a smaller specialist firm that felt like the right move for him then. As far as I know he lived and worked happily ever after. Working with this candidate opened some new doors to senior partners for me they appreciated the way the candidate and I had approached the situation so ethically and professionally. It also meant that I validated having the courage of my convictions. It is possible to see both a human being and a possible placement and for both to please all three parties. My competitors looked at my candidate and saw a problem I saw an opportunity, and its a mind-set that has been helpful to me throughout my career.