Jan. 29, 2026

Tricia Tamkin & Jason Thibeault on Why Perfect Candidates Cost Recruiters Money

Show Notes

Most recruiters aren’t underperforming — they’re over-filtering.

Chasing “perfect” candidates is quietly costing you deals, speed, and money.

🎧 Tricia Tamkin & Jason Thibeault on Why Perfect Candidates Cost Recruiters Money

1. Episode Hook

Chasing “perfect” candidates feels responsible.

It’s also the fastest way to kill deals, slow your desk, and lose fees.

2. Why This Episode Matters

Most recruiters are unknowingly playing the wrong game. They wait. They hesitate. They protect “standards.”

And while they do, other recruiters close the deal.

This episode shows how elite recruiters actually think about candidate fit—and how a simple mindset shift can unlock faster placements, higher billings, and more control in an increasingly competitive, AI-driven recruiting market.

3. What You’ll Learn

The 70–80% fit rule top billers use to place candidates faster
The hidden mistake recruiters make when they treat job descriptions as “non-negotiable”
The exact way to present an almost-fit candidate without losing credibility
Why waiting for perfect profiles quietly destroys momentum and time-to-fill
The conversation shift that gets hiring managers to lean in instead of push back
When submitting a stretch candidate is smart—and when it’s a costly mistake
How this approach directly increases confidence, revenue, and client trust

4. About the Guests

Tricia Tamkin and Jason Thibeault are two of the most respected voices in recruiter training, known for helping recruiters and firm owners break outdated rules, move faster, and consistently close more deals without burning out or playing it safe.

5. Extended Value Tease

If your desk feels stuck, slow, or overly dependent on “perfect” candidates showing up—this episode will reset how you recruit.

After listening, you’ll stop second-guessing strong candidates, present with conviction, and move faster than competitors who are still waiting for ideal profiles that rarely exist. This is how recruiters separate from the pack and scale their desk with confidence.

6. Listen Now CTA

Don’t skip this one.

Queue it up now and learn how top recruiters stop waiting—and start closing.

7. Timestamp Highlights

[00:01] Why “perfect fit” recruiting quietly costs recruiters money

[03:55] The 70–80% rule elite billers actually follow

[07:20] Why job descriptions are aspirational—not real

[10:45] The dating analogy that reframes candidate submissions

[14:30] When almost-fit candidates get hired anyway

[18:10] How to sell the gap instead of hiding it

[22:05] What hiring managers really decide on

[26:40] When NOT to submit a stretch candidate